In a commendable effort to support their local community, fourth graders at Lena Whitmore Elementary in Moscow are leading a toiletries drive that will run until December 12, 2023. Students and community members are invited to donate essential items such as toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, and children’s body wash. A collection bin has been placed at the front entrance of the school for convenient drop-offs.
The collected items will be delivered to the Moscow School District’s Family Resource Hub, located in the old Russell Elementary building. This hub was established last year to provide free clothing, toiletries, and school supplies to students and families in need. According to Tiffany Mayes, a fourth-grade teacher at Lena Whitmore, the toiletries drive is part of a broader educational initiative aimed at instilling a sense of community service in her students.
Mayes expressed her commitment to teaching children the importance of helping others. “We try to incorporate a charitable activity every year,” she stated. Recognizing that toiletries are among the most requested items at the Family Resource Hub, the students quickly mobilized to organize the drive.
Community Engagement and Educational Impact
As part of this lesson on community giving, the students are also tasked with writing essays that emphasize the significance of altruism. They are designing posters to promote the drive and have created a video that was shared on Facebook to raise awareness. Lindsey Lee, another fourth-grade teacher, highlighted the multifaceted approach to this project, encouraging creativity and critical thinking among the students.
Upon completion of the toiletries drive, the students will have an opportunity to visit the Family Resource Hub. This field trip will allow them to volunteer and observe firsthand the impact of their contributions on the community.
Lena Whitmore Elementary is not the only school contributing to this initiative. Students at Moscow High School, led by Caitlin Highfill and Haili Hull, recently organized a winter clothing drive through the MHS leadership class. Their efforts resulted in the collection of two truckloads of clothing and a monetary donation of $750 to the Family Resource Hub.
The Family Resource Hub operates on Tuesdays from 14:00 to 17:00, providing essential support to families in the area. Initiatives like these exemplify the spirit of community involvement among students, showcasing their ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around them.
