Packs Of Hope for DCES Students
January 27th, 2013 by Submitted
Every day people struggle to get by in life. We often do not realize how lucky we are to have the necessities that some people sometimes have to do without. This was the inspiration for Brittany Hodges and Katie Taylor, 10th graders at Drew Central High School, to begin the organization “Packs of Hope” in August of 2011. Their dream is for no person to do without.
This organization passes out Packs of Hope to students at Drew Central Elementary School. Each pack includes basic hygiene products, school supplies, and one or two enjoyable items some students wouldn’t regularly be able to acquire. Shampoo, conditioner, a toothbrush, and toothpaste of their own could be a treasure to someone who has always had limited access to them.
When enough money is raised to purchase a large amount of packs, the founders and their parents purchase the supplies. Once the supplies are purchased, they are arranged in tote bags and delivered to the Drew Central Elementary Counselor, Susan Sharp Smith. She decides who is in need of the bags and distributes them with the help of office workers, such as Meredith Shirey, and teachers. For privacy purposes, “Packs of Hope” does not know who receives the packs, but they have received amazing feedback on the student’s reactions.
So far, the foundation has passed out 45 Packs of Hope with each pack costing approximately $22. The organization would like to greatly increase the amount of packs that they are able to purchase so that they can help even more people by expanding to other school districts in the surrounding community. Also, in the future, they would love to be able to continue supporting each student they have already helped by passing out refills for the packs monthly or every two months. Each of these goals will take a significant raise of funds, so “Packs of Hope” will soon be hosting multiple fundraisers and spreading the word about their organization.
If you would like to request more information, request brochures, or send a monetary donation, please call (870)367-2467 or (870)460-7373.
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Great job ladies. Keep up the GREAT WORK!!!!
Sometimes we don’t realize how truly blessed we are in life. Passing out these bags to the students and seeing the smile on their face is priceless. Katie and Brit- You both are doing an amazing job! Keep up the good work!
This is so inspirational! Drew Central is blessed to have the thoughtfulness and enthusiasm! So proud of these two young ladies!
This is awesome. I remember helping my mom do this when I was growing up. She took on this task, because as a substitue teacher and PTA member, she saw the need. Continue the great work.
So proud of you girls! Great idea!