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DECATUR Ill. (WCIA) — A Decatur church and school is stepping up to support the community as it continues to mourn a 10-year-old boy killed in a tragic accident.
Mt. Zions schools will be closed on Monday in observance of the funeral of Jack Brinkoetter. The fifth grader was killed last Sunday when he and his ATV-pulled sledding innertube collided with a boulder.
In light of the funeral on Monday and the public school district’s closure, Hillside Bethel Christian School is offering a free day of care for Mt. Zion students before and after the normal school dismissal time.
“We have limited spaces available for K-6th grade students from MTZ who may need care that day and do not currently attend any of our programs – free of charge,” HBCS staff said on Facebook. “Please contact our office at (217) 429-5590 to sign up or for more information.”
To show support as a community, HBCS encouraged all students and staff of its own programs to wear red, black or Mt. Zion apparel on Monday. HBCS uniforms will not be required that day.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy and with the entire Mt. Zion community,” staff said. “We are here for you.”
HBCS is also accepting donations to the affected families of Sunday’s accident.