For the last five years, Primary Care in Hazard has provided gifts to children in need to Perry County Schools.

Through each school’s resource center, a list of children in need is given to Primary Care. The staff fundraises throughout the year to collect gifts, while employees spend their own money and purchase gifts as well.

“This year close to 200 of the gifts employees actually purchased themselves,” said Tammy Hignite, Primary Care Centers Community Outreach Coordinator. “We have a true love for our community and we love to be able to help others.”

“Our resource centers I can’t brag on enough. Day in and day out are helping these students. We all know there is people out there in need but their funds only go so far, ” said Bridget Brewer, Director of Federal Programs for Perry County Schools.

Last year they were able to provide for 350 students, while this year they are able to give 500 children a ‘Merry Christmas’.

“It’s when community partners like Primary Care step in that we’re able to go beyond what we ever could to provide for these students,” said Brewer.

Despite the rain, each school resource officer came and packed a car or two full of the gifts.

Students will receive the gifts this week before Christmas break begins.