EAST LANSING - The Haven House of East Lansing is looking for individuals to help with their Adopt-a-Child for Back to School program.

The program helps prepare families for the upcoming school year by pairing individuals up with one or more children who have either left Haven House in the past year or currently live at the shelter.

Individuals shop for items the children need such as various school supplies like backpacks and pencils and clothing like jackets or shoes.

“They love it, especially when you see the kids on their first day. They are all in their new outfits and their new backpacks. It just makes them feel like everyone else and that is the ultimate goal - to make sure they are like everyone else,” volunteer and special projects coordinator Cheqouya Spearman said. “They are going through the homeless situation but they are just like every other child and should have that same feeling going back to school like everyone else”

Haven House started the Adopt-a-Child for Back to School program over 15 years ago.

Last year, over 140 local children recieved items to help get them ready for the new school year.

If you are interested in participating in Haven House’s Adopt-a-Child for Back to School, you can call Spearman at 517.337.2731 to learn more.