A new organization, the Friends of the Carbon Career & Technical Institute, has been started to help students who may need financial help with tools and equipment. Four of the founders attended the CCTI Joint Operating Committee to introduce the new group.

Reyna Desmarais, president of Friends of CCTI, Katya Fitzpatrick, vice president, and Robyn Plesniarski, fundraising, all have children who are students at CCTI.

“As our kids are going through the program, we realized that there are times when they need to purchase materials related to their specialty out of pocket for them,” Fitzpatrick said. “Mrs. (Michelle) Allen brought to our attention that many times there is such a need here for the students at CCTI, that sometimes teachers and instructors buy what students need.”

“My son, who just went out on co-op, had to buy his own tools,” Fitzpatrick said. “We took him to Lowe’s and he purchased nearly $250 in tools. Our goal is to have money available so that teachers can refer students to us. We’ll have applications in the school, and on our new Web page.”

The Carbon County Community Foundation is handling the funds for the new organization.

The first big fundraiser is the “Cinco de Mayo Hoedown,” May 5, at the Franklin Township Fire Co. with line dance lessons at 6 p.m. and the “Gunslinger Country Band” performing from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be a basket auction, raffles, food and drinks for purchase.

Twin Builders of Albrightsville is sponsoring the rental for the hall; Lehighton Kia is sponsoring the band, and Lehigh Valley Health Network is sponsoring the basket auction.

For information and how you can donate, visit https://cccfoundpa.org/friends-of-ccti-fund/ or look them up on Facebook.