The pandemic doesn’t stop local mother’s kindness

Photo courtesy to Feed Kids BloNo Facebook page

NORMAL, Ill.-  A local woman and mother of two is known throughout the community as a “kindness ambassador.”

Part of the great work she is doing is being a mother who encourages her child to continue with her education and social life despite the effects of COVID-19.

Roxanne Hartrich has an eight-year-old daughter, Kaylee, who loves attending Oakdale Elementary.

Kaylee is taught by Miss Kelsey Sterrit’s in her second-grade class.

According to Hartrich, Sterrit checks in with the kids regularly and has provided many learning links for Kaylee to complete her school work.

“Sterrit has really bent over backwards to stay in contact to reassure Kaylee and her classmates that they will be okay, and to enjoy this time with family, play games, learn, snuggle and enjoy each other’s company,” said Hartrich. “That has given Kaylee so much peace of mind.”

Kaylee is homeschooled and is strict with making sure she gets her schooling in. Hartrich, however, encourages her to interact with her friends on Facebook messenger for kids.

Photo courtesy to Oakdale Elementary Facebook page

“We monitor closely, only her family and her classmates are on, it’s been a lifesaver for her,” said Hartrich.

But for Hartrich the encouragement and work does not end at home, her involvement in the community is plentiful.

“It’s what helps heal my heart, helps to give life meaning, being part of a loving and giving community,” said Hartrich.

Hartrich owns and operates a non-profit called Kara and Kaylee’s Kloset.

Photo courtesy to Kara and Kaylee’s Kloset Facebook page

In January 2014, Hartrich lost her four-year-old daughter, Kara, when her dogs attacked her in her home.

After the tragedy, Hartrich began taking requests from local girls that could not afford dresses.  They started asking her to find rentals and donations of dresses so they could be a princess for a day, like Hartrich’s daughter.

“It bothered Kara greatly that any girl might not get to be a princess due to lack of funds. She hated to see anyone go without. She would make me stop at street corners to feed the homeless,” said Hartrich. “Volunteering is key. Our communities held on to us tight and helped me stand up when I couldn’t on my own.”

Amid this pandemic, Hartrich is currently raising awareness and funds for a nurse that traveled here from Mississippi with two children looking for a safer life.

“She left a violent situation where children of color are not safe. She was living in a hotel and was ready to be homeless. We found folks to pay her hotel rooms, bring food and clothing for her and her babies for two weeks,” said Hartrich.

The nurse has found a job and now Hartrich is working on finding the nurse an apartment and raising over $2,300 to do so.

“I am honored and humbled to help such a strong mother,” said Hartrich.

Hartrich is an advocate ambassador for the Boys and Girls Club, the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life. She also volunteers with Red Cross Blood Drives, Back to School Back Pack and School Drives. She raises funds for Neville House, Children’s Hospital and many others.

“I feel it’s my duty to give back, but it’s truly my honor and privilege to do so,” said Hartrich.

Hartrich also co-founded Feed the Kids BloNo. Amid the pandemic, she was in charge of social media sharing and fundraising.

Photo courtesy to Roxanne Hartrich

“We fed 6300 kids lunch in two weeks and were able to raise over $50,000 in a little over 2.5 days to accomplish this,” said Hartrich.

A complete list of Feed BloNo Kids locations can be found at https://www.feedblonokids.com/

Meals will be provided to any child or teen under the age of 18.