'Children will lead the way': Rootstown daycare students raise money for area's homeless
Some of Portage County's youngest residents are doing their part to help the homeless in their community.
Jan Seljan, a volunteer at the Haven of Portage County homeless shelter, arrived Wednesday at Noah's Ark Childcare in Rootstown.
She was there to pick up several armloads of dry goods — cereal, canned soup, coffee, sanitizing wipes — and a check for $432.61, proceeds from two fundraisers held by the school-age children at Noah's Ark.
Seljan said it felt wonderful to collect the donations the children raised for the Haven.
"Children will lead the way," she said. "If we can start educating them about homelessness, isn't that important?"
The homeless shelter, located at 2645 state Route 59 in Ravenna Township, opened in April.
The first fundraiser held by the children at Noah's Ark to benefit the new shelter was an art show.
"We had a person come in and do a painting class with them," said owner Brenda Kelsey. "We hung their art in the hallway of the center, and then their parents and grandparents are coming in and 'purchasing' their art."
More:The Haven of Portage County homeless shelter will open for clients on April 19
The second event was a car wash hosted in Noah's Ark parking lot. For two hours on Aug. 3, the children and their teachers washed any car coming into the lot.
Jennifer Jones, one of the teachers at Noah's Ark, said watching the kids participate was a joy.
"It melted my heart," Jones said. "The kids were so eager to help. They were egging each other on, 'Let's get this one super clean; this one's a mom of three, let's wash her car really good!'" She said she expected to only get a few cars, but the kids flagged down so many that there was a line of cars waiting the entire time.
More: The Haven opens for tours; Expects to start serving homeless soon
Kelsey said Jennifer and Linda Jones (no relation), the teachers at the childcare center, are responsible for the success of these projects.
Jennifer Jones said the Kelsey was the impetus behind the center's efforts.
"Miss Karen kind of came up with the idea, we were the foot soldiers," Jennifer said.
On Wednesday, Seljan spent roughly 30 minutes speaking to a rapt audience of about 20 school-age children. She thanked them for their hard work, saying that the money they raised will help pay some bills at the Haven.
Seljan solicited ideas from them about how else they might be able to help homeless people in Portage County.
U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are more than than 100 homeless people just in Kent and Ravenna and more than 200 people on government benefits for the homeless in Portage County, according to the Haven.
Many live under bridges, behind stores and strip malls or along bike paths and near public parks, according to the shelter.
One girl suggested adopting homeless children right off the street with no intermediary. Another child proposed putting their own house up for sale to benefit those without a home.
Seljan pointed out that while these are truly humanitarian gestures, they might not be practical.
Seljan and the children discussed the causes of homelessness and how the Haven of Portage County works to aid those in need. She encouraged the children to get involved further.
"This is our first homeless shelter here in Portage County," Seljan told her audience of budding philanthropists. "I hope and pray that I get to see some of you there volunteering. You could always come with your parents and work in the garden."
For Noah's Ark Assistant Director Karen Carter, the issue of homelessness is close to her heart.
"My dad was homeless on the streets of Akron and the Haven of Rest really helped him find an apartment," said Carter, who previously worked in the daycare center's preschool room for 20 years. "I try to donate as much as I can. My cousin, who also works here, donates as well."
Those interested in volunteering or donating to the Haven of Portage County can visit the group's website or call 330-235-8600.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kids help raise funds, collect goods for homeless at Haven
