Moscow elementary school students are taking meaningful steps to support families in need through a toiletries drive. Fourth graders at Lena Whitmore Elementary have launched this initiative, which will run until December 12, 2023. The drive invites students and community members to donate essential items, including toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, and children’s body wash, by placing them in a designated bin at the school’s front entrance.
The collected items will be delivered to the Moscow School District’s Family Resource Hub, located in the former Russell Elementary building. This resource hub was established last year to provide free clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to students and families in need, addressing significant challenges faced by many in the community.
Students Learn the Value of Community Support
According to Tiffany Mayes, a fourth-grade teacher at Lena Whitmore, the toiletries drive is part of a larger educational initiative focused on community service. Mayes emphasized her commitment to teaching students the importance of helping others and noted that the school aims to engage in charitable activities annually.
Recognizing that toiletries are a pressing need at the Family Resource Hub, the students quickly mobilized to organize the drive. In addition to collecting donations, the students are engaging in various educational activities. They are writing essays on the significance of giving back, creating promotional posters for the drive, and producing a video to share on social media platforms, including Facebook.
Lindsey Lee, another fourth-grade teacher, highlighted that after the drive concludes, students will visit the resource hub for a field trip. During this visit, they will have the opportunity to volunteer and witness firsthand the impact of their contributions on the community.
School-Wide Efforts Amplify Support
Lena Whitmore Elementary is not alone in its efforts to aid the Family Resource Hub. Students from Moscow High School have also contributed significantly. Under the leadership of students Caitlin Highfill and Haili Hull, the high school organized a winter clothing drive that successfully gathered two truckloads of clothing and raised $750 for the hub.
The Family Resource Hub operates on Tuesdays from 14:00 to 17:00, providing essential support to families in the community. The collaboration between local schools exemplifies the spirit of community involvement and the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
As these initiatives continue to unfold, it is evident that the students of Moscow are not just learning about civic responsibility; they are actively participating in making a difference in their community.
