Local religious leaders recently provided donations to the Federal Way Public Schools ECEAP and Head Start programs.

Shelley Fife, president of the Women’s Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Todd Keeney, president of the Federal Way Washington Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, connected with the schools upon recognizing the valuable service provided by FWPS through these programs, and learning of specific needs that have been amplified by COVID-19.

Fife organized the collection and donation of food, cleaning supplies and hygiene kits by church members and arranged delivery of such supplies to the FWPS ECEAP facility, while Keeney turned to LDS Charities for additional help. He obtained funds to supply six-months of diapers for the approximate 460 preschool aged children who’ve participated in the FWPS ECEAP and Head Start programs.

“I want to thank our local LDS church for helping our families have the necessary resources at a time of great need in our community,” said FWPS Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell. “Schools can’t do it alone, and this demonstrates the important role of partnerships with faith-based organizations.”

Both Keeney and Fife expressed gratitude for the partnership with Laura Batcheller, program manager of ECEAP and Head Start.

“We are so very grateful to be part of this wonderful community and to be among people like Laura who do so much to lift the hearts and potential of so many,” Keeney said.

Donations for critical needs towards computers, school supplies and paying off school lunch debt for FWPS students are being accepted by Federal Way Public Schools at fwps.org/donate.

Todd Keeney, president of the Federal Way Washington Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presents a check towards diapers for FWPS families to Laura Batcheller, ECEAP/Head Start (ESTART) program manager​ of Federal Way Public Schools. Courtesy photo