MANCHESTER – Students who need a little help, but might be too embarrassed to ask, can stop by the Care Closet at Manchester Township High School.
The closet is full of personal care products, a washer and dryer, and even some food and clothing. Students can access the Care Closet by scanning codes found on fliers around the school to schedule times when they can confidentially access things they need. The students are also encouraged to arrange for laundry services.
The Care Closet was first conceived around a year ago when Speech Language Specialist Stephanie Boyd noticed a need among students for personal care products and laundry services. She applied for a grant at the end of the last school year to support The Care Closet initiative.
The grant was awarded to the district by Ocean County Youth Services and approved by the Board of Education to move forward. In addition to the grant, donations came in from students and staff, the National Honor Society and Key Clubs, from High Ridge Brands LLC, and from Rite Aid who donated extra shelves.
School officials and a student pose for the ribbon cutting of the Manchester High School Care Closet. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
What followed was a year-long effort of turning an appropriate, private, and spacious area of the high school into the Care Closet. The custodial staff built the space. Junior Lina Taylor planned the closet’s design and layout. She recruited her Girl Scout Troop and their families to paint the walls and trim. Taylor and her Girl Scout Troop not only raised donated items for the Care Closet but she then proudly dedicated her own time to stocking the shelves with all of the donated products.
Superintendent Diane Pedroza was among the many who joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She shared with the group her gratitude for their “unwavering commitment and hard work in supporting the development of a Care Closet for township students.”
Cleaning materials and other items are seen in the newly christened Care Closet located within Manchester Township High School. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
Providing students with access to essential hygiene products and other necessary items builds more than confidence. School administrators and teachers said it strengthens their social and emotional well-being, encourages positive school attendance, and supports academic growth.
School officials noted that the need for access to these essential products has never been more urgent. With high prices on some of these necessities, many students face daily challenges in maintaining their health, dignity, and self-esteem.
The supplies at the Care Closet also support the Care Cupboard located at Manchester Township Middle School as well as elementary school needs as requested by those schools.
Students can do their own laundry and pick up items they need at the Care Closet at the Manchester Township High School. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
The Care Closet was opened for business at a very appropriate time: World Kindness Day. This is an international holiday that began in 1998 to promote kindness throughout the world. It is observed in many countries including the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia.
The day presents the opportunity to reflect upon one of the most important and unifying human principles, a day devoted to the positive potential of both large and small acts of kindness that brings people across the globe together.
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