MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – If you traveled down Poplar Avenue Thursday, you may have spotted educators cheering to get your attention.
They were doing it for Shelby County School students, asking the community to donate necessities like lotion and toothbrushes to over 200 schools.
“This is a critical factor for us, because some of our students are in need of simple basic things,” said Sunya Payne, SCS Director of Family and Community Engagement. “We want to eliminate any barriers that they may have so that the primary focus can be on learning.”
People came in droves, with boxes and boxes of items. This year SCS partnered with the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
“I enjoy the kids,” said Claudia Campbell. “I only have two. But to give to the kids is what motivates me.”
The “Necessity Drive” began last year when counselors noticed girls were missing school because of their menstrual cycle.
“Some girls are uncomfortable and some girls don’t have (them),” Payne. “So what we want is to eliminate the shame.”
According to Feeding America’s website, 1 in 5 girls left school early or missed school entirely because they didn’t have menstrual products available.
“We do want to have the sanitary napkins in case they need them,” said Payne. “But we also are receiving undergarments, lotion.”
Groups like United Way of the Mid-South packed donations beforehand. Parents say Thursday was an opportunity to show young people what giving back is all about.
“We’ve once been to a place where we needed things and it’s just a blessing to be able to give back,” said Sharlene Patterson.
SCS is also asking small businesses to donate. Organizers are now surveying schools to determine what specific products each one needs.