Joplin Schools collects over $6,000 for Christmas of Hope

Once again, the annual Christmas of Hope campaign is helping provide a good holiday for foster kids in the area.

Supporters gathered at Franklin Technical Center this afternoon to take part in a special announcement.

A total of $6,250 has been raised at this point by Joplin Schools.

Lorin Curtis, construction technology instructor at Franklin Tech, said not only students but the entire School District takes part in the effort which is now in its 7th year.

This year, Curtis says 47 people contributed to the effort’s $50 club.

Sarah Burch of Fostering Hope said the group plans to go shopping for foster kids on December 15th.

There are over 600 students living in foster homes in the area, about 480 of those in Jasper County alone.