The global pandemic has impacted communities all over North Texas this year. And some UNT student are lending a helping hand.

Recently, The UNT Elohim Bible Study Club partnered with Church of God ASEZ to host a donation drive to help child abuse victims around Denton County by providing “comfort kits” to those children.

Since March, the Children’s Advocacy Center for Denton County (CACDC) has seen a spike in abuse cases against children. The pandemic has caused these kids to be put in a more dangerous and volatile environment, making it harder to distance them from potential perpetrators at home. These kids also have been put in situations where many of them are hindered from having the needed resources due to social distancing measures.

The UNT Elohim Bible Study Club and ASEZ university students donated approximately 120 comfort kits to the CACDC. Those comfort kits were comprised of basic school supplies such as pens, notepads, coloring books, crayons, and Play-Doh.

“Helping others in our community is vitally important, especially during these difficult times,” said Mandy White, UNT Elohim Bible Study Club President. “Recently, it seems like the only thing we hear is bad news. Instead of focusing on this, we decided to look for ways to shine a light into the darkness.”

Not only has this act of kindness had a positive effect on the children, but also for the UNT students as well that participated.

“I never realized what an impact it would have on myself as I have found a new passion for truly helping those in need, not just in small ways, but also through direct intervention and the sacrifice of my time and effort,” said UNT student Hunter Davis.

Through this donation, the CACDC center representatives were greatly moved by the selflessness and thoughtfulness shown by the UNT students.

“Comfort kits act as a stress relief for child abuse victims and we are so incredibly grateful for the amazing partnership with UNT Elohim Bible Study Group for providing the opportunity for kids to begin healing,” said Amy Ferdinando, CACDC Director of Development.