Posted March 17, 2020 by Denise Ferguson
Dear Rose Hill Middle School families. RHMS PTSA understands that these are uncertain and unprecedented times that can lead to heightened anxiety and stress for our students and families. For that reason RHMS PTSA has collected a group of links to websites to keep you informed and link you to relevant resources. Please know that RHMS PTSA has been working year-round, using your generous donations to ensure that all our students (including students from families in need) are provided for through: supplemental fresh fruit for RHMS students' Pantry Packs, our mini grant program, our scholarship assistance fund, emergency preparedness supplies, student planners and more. In addition, in response to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, RHMS PTSA has purchased Safeway gift cards with a combined face value of $2,850 for our counselors to distribute to RHMS families in need. You can continue to support the work that we do by making a tax-deductible donation to our organization. Please note that many area employers will match employee donations to a 501(c)(3) organization like ours.
 
We are also accepting restricted donations specifically to support RHMS families who are in dire financial situations because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can donate to our Fund for Families Impacted by COVID-19 and/or our Pass the Hat fundraiser here. RHMS PTSA will work with the school counselors to ensure that restricted donations to our Fund for Families Impacted by COVID-19 will be used to provide financial assistance to the impacted families.
 
Donations can also be made to organizations that are supporting families across the region and state, many of which are listed below. In addition, here are a couple of other non-PTSA ways to provide help and support to RHMS families:
  • 1. Donating gift cards that will be distributed by RHMS staff to families in need. Many of our students that rely on the school for breakfast, lunch and food over the weekend (Pantry Packs) have parents that work in the service industry and they have lost their jobs. These families were on a tight-rope before the COVID-19 shutdown and now they are in dire circumstances. Gift cards for grocery store purchases can be mailed to: Gift Card Drive, 4040 - 168th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052. QFC and Fred Meyer gift cards can be purchased online and the physical gift cards can then be shipped for free to the address above. Similarly, Safeway gift cards can be purchased online via Amazon's 3rd party gift card section. 
  • 2. Volunteering with the Eastside COVID Community Help group. Volunteers sign up to buy and deliver food to community members that are food-insecure, immuno-compromised, or quarantined. Families who need food can request help from this group here.
  • 3. Pantry Packs is accepting food donations every Friday from 1:30-2:30 from now until mid-June. Please see this flyer for instructions on how to donate.
    Pantry Packs are shelf-stable packages of food given to food-insecure LWSD students every Friday at six middle school district meal sites. Food insecurity is climbing in LWSD. On May 22, 1,400 packs were handed out; by comparison, 940 students received packs prior to school closures. 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact PTSA President, Yumna Green, and she will help direct you to the relevant resource.
 
RESOURCES AND INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
 
RHMS PTSA urges all families who need assistance to contact their RHMS school counselor in addition to the organizations and resources listed below. 
 
Official Information
Local & State Resources for LWSD Families
Additional Resources and Community Help