By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG
Teachers, principals and counselors in Missoula’s public schools see kids every day without winter coats, boots, school supplies and even enough food. Missoula’s schools don’t have the resources to help every child in need, but Missoula Organization of REALTORS®’s (MOR) nonprofit organization, MOR4Kids, can help fill that gap.
Since its creation in 2011, MOR4Kids has provided $33,975 in direct contributions to Missoula’s schools. The money goes to school resource rooms to provide funding for food, milk, clothing, and gas to help parents get their kids to school. MOR also has a room with a “store” in their office building filled with school supplies, toiletries, winter coats, boots, gym shoes, snow pants, and clothing. The MOR Store is available to school counselors and teachers to “shop” free of charge for kids in need.
Paxson Elementary School has used MOR4Kids funding and the MOR Store to provide clothing, gift cards for groceries, gas and phone, according to Principal Kelly Chumrau. They have even used the funds to purchase a YMCA membership for a family and dance classes for a talented student without the means to pay for lessons.
“The money makes a real difference in people’s lives,” Chumrau says. “We appreciate being able to stop by the office to pick up shoes and toiletries for the kids.”
MOR4Kids was created after members of MOR recognized a growing need in Missoula’s school system.
“Kids are going to school hungry, without school supplies, and even without the proper clothing,” says REALTOR Judy Gudgel and one of the MOR4Kids founders. “These kids live in our neighborhoods and are friends with our children.”
MOR has raised the funds primarily through two major events each year: A golf tournament in June and a charity auction called Denim & Diamonds in November of which members of MOR generously volunteer their time to organize. Tax-deductible donations can also be made via MOR’s website at or by mailing them to MOR4Kids, 1610 S. 3rd St. West, Suite 201, Missoula, MT 59801.
Many thanks to the Missoula community for supporting MOR4Kids and, more importantly, the deserving kids in our community who need a little extra help.
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Eva Dunn-Froebig is an active member of the community and the Communications Director at the Missoula Organization of Realtors. She has worked and volunteered for several membership organizations during her 15 years in Missoula, including Run Wild Missoula, the Missoula Art Museum and La Leche League of Missoula.