Students at Oxford’s elementary schools are headed home with DNA kits in their book bags, thanks to the Oxford Fire Fighters Union, International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 4763.

A total of 2,500 kits were donated to ensure every elementary student will be able to receive one.

Through various fund-raising efforts, the Fire Fighter’s Union raised $7,000 towards the cause, with the remaining number of kits being donated by the National Child ID program.

Each kit contains an inkless fingerprint card and applicator, along with a DNA collection site. The kit also includes a section for a current photograph of the child, as well as space for recording descriptions and measurements.

Once completed, parents can store the kits at home. If ever needed, the completed identification card can immediately give authorities 80 percent of the information necessary to assist them in their efforts to locate a missing child.

“We have very high hopes that many families will (want to have these), but that hopefully they’ll never have to put them to use,” said Oxford Fire Fighter’s Union President Kevin Snell. “They’re stay-at-home kits and the best part about them is they come in a little envelope. Just the size of a mailing envelope and you can slip it into your suitcase if you travel.

“It’s a great asset to take with you while traveling wherever you go and if for some reason, someone goes missing, you can pull it out and you’ll have all the information on your child ready-to-go.”

On June 1, Snell and Oxford Fire Fighter’s Union Vice President Anthony Graybill made their first delivery of nearly 500 kits to Clear Lake Elementary.

The kits are expected to be distributed to students whose parents opt into the program by the end of the school year.

“I think that’s what makes this community pretty special is the fact that (our schools) have a great partnership with different (local) organizations,” said Principal Brad Bigelow. “We appreciate our fire department investing in our kids and partnering with us and supporting our kids in this capacity.”

The Fire Fighter’s Union hopes to donate kits to all incoming kindergarteners and students in grades 7-12 in the coming school year, Snell added.

According to Snell, there were many local businesses which contributed to this year’s project through fundraisers and donations.

For their efforts, Snell thanked 24th Street Sports Tavern, Collier Lanes, Buffalo Wild Wings, McDonald’s, Edward Jones-Office of Andrew Hunter, Oxford Lakes Dental, KHI Coating, Casemer Tool & Machine, Birmingham Sealcoat, Dunlap Collision Inc., Burdick Street Landscape Supply & Equipment, Hi Hill Lawn Service, Little Caesars, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, and the residents of Independence Village of Waterstone.

To learn more about the National Child ID Program, visit childidprogram.com.