ASHLAND, Ky. — Ashland Community and Technical College’s Nursing Student Organization was excited to be able to provide for the kids of Safe Harbor this Easter.

ANSO is a student-led club dedicated to creating a supportive community for nursing students, promoting excellence in education, professional development, and providing compassionate nursing practice. 

They strive to empower future nurses through mentorship, education, and advocacy, while fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Additionally, they are and will always be committed to actively engaging with our community through initiatives that promote health, wellness, and education, exemplifying our dedication to service beyond the classroom.

ANSO’s involvement with Safe Harbor was brought about by perfect timing and good conversation.

ANSO Treasurer, Curtis Comer, first came across Safe Harbor when he saw their food drive display in Ashland and spent some time in conversation with the representatives present, getting to know more about the organization.

Meanwhile, his fellow nursing student classmates were doing research of community outreach shelters in the area to support this spring. When the group discovered Safe Harbor, Comer was eager to be able to advocate on their behalf based off his previous conversation.

With their organization selected, ANSO set out to collect donations for Easter baskets, as well as Easter eggs to be able to host an egg hunt on Easter Sunday. The donations were provided by ACTC nursing faculty and staff, ACTC nursing students, and ANSO members.

“We truly could not believe the response we had, and neither could the staff at Safe Harbor,” ANSO secretary, Sarah Hatzel shared. “They were elated at the baskets we presented and even more grateful that we were able to provide for the kids.”

With all the donations collected, ANSO was able to abundantly fill 40 Easter baskets for the children at Safe Harbor.

The baskets were distributed to the kids on Easter Sunday and ANSO members were present, along with an Easter Bunny, to host an Easter Egg hunt for the kids.