MONROE, Conn. — Amid constant holdups with SNAP funding, Elisavet “Ellie” Mendez, 13, decided to organize a winter clothing drive to help struggling families make it through the colder months.
Mendez, a Jockey Hollow Middle School eighth grader, who was the only elementary school student in Monroe’s history to be elected as Connecticut’s Kid Governor, set up collection bins at two town businesses during the month of November.
Cardsmart, 447 Monroe Turnpike, and Cruvinel Brothers Training Center, 75 Main St., accepted new and gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves.
By the end of the month, Mendez collected 136 jackets, 32 scarves, 71 hats, 29 pairs of gloves and 42 sweaters — all totaling 318 pounds.
She wanted to donate it to Monroe and Trumbull’s social service departments, but Monroe Social Services Coordinator Mary Ann Kalm told her both towns already had enough with their recent collection drives.
Kalm suggested that Mendez donate the haul to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, and her father, Angelo, brought her there to drop it off.
Mendez said she is touched by people’s generosity.
“I’m very thankful for everyone who has donated,” she said. “You have definitely made a difference in the lives of people who needed help. It was an amazing experience and I am looking forward to continuing this next year!”
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