In an inspiring gathering at Holy Trinity school, volunteers, school leadership, and community partners came together to film a new promotional video celebrating the work of Noelle’s Gift to Children. Founded in memory of Noelle Paquette, a beloved St. Clair Catholic teacher, the foundation has made a lasting impact by supporting children with essential resources since its inception. Fueled by a recent $50,000 donation from the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation, the new promotional video will reiterate how Noelle’s Gift to Children has enriched the lives of students across both St. Clair Catholic District School Board and Lambton-Kent District School Board, through Noelle’s Gift Closets.
Since its inception, Noelle’s Gift to Children has launched vital programs to support students, including the ongoing Noelle’s Gift Closets, which provide essentials like clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies in all local elementary and secondary schools. Thanks to strong community support, 72 closets have already been installed, with 11 more currently being built by Lambton College trades students, set for completion by the end of 2024. Dedicated volunteers ensure the closets are consistently replenished so that resources are always available for students in need.
“Noelle’s Gift to Children truly changes lives every single day,” said Mark Renaud, a volunteer with the organization and former St. Clair Catholic Principal. “The commitment of our community to ensure that no student goes without the basics they need is inspiring, and it makes a real difference in our classrooms.”
Other programs, such as the Student Nutrition Program and the Grade 1 Water Bottle Program, further demonstrate Noelle’s Gift to Children’s commitment to students’ well-being. By providing healthy snacks and encouraging hydration, Noelle’s Gift to Children helps foster a positive and supportive learning environment. The organization also offers emergency funds to assist students with urgent needs that could otherwise hinder their ability to attend school.
Reflecting on their continued success, Noelle’s Gift to Children founder Lynn Paquette shared, “We cannot say enough that we have an amazing community and team that continues to support our foundation. We are committed to helping those who need daily essentials to attend school and would not be able to do what we do without everyone’s help.”
Noelle’s legacy resonates throughout Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent, and this new video will highlight the generosity and dedication that keep her spirit of kindness alive, offering hope and support to every child.