Pioneer Girls Leadership Club creates Care Closet for classmates in need
Mar. 12—The Girls Leadership Club at Pioneer Elementary has started a Care Closet for fellow students and their families who may need extra help obtaining toiletry items.
Monday after school, several sixth-graders sat around the closet—actually a large shelving unit at this time—and sorted toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and other donated items.
The idea came from the sixth-graders who told the club's leader, Alesia Brown, a third grade Pioneer teacher, that they had heard classmates talking about how they needed a new toothbrush or other bathroom items.
"We see a lot of people who don't really have or can't easily purchase these items," said sixth-grader Leah Franklin. "We really wanted to help the people in our school."
The sixth-graders were able to get younger members of the club on board with the idea and school principal Pat Quillen approved the project. When they spoke with other adults, Brown said, the adults agreed there was a need in the school.
Students who may need items from the closet can speak with Brown, the school counselor or their teacher and arrangements are made so the students may select needed items in privacy.
"We wanted it to be in a space where the students could see it so we could normalize it," Brown said. "But not in a space where they could access it by themselves."
The girls asked for donations and did little skits for the morning school announcements to raise awareness of the Care Closet.
"Knowing that they need these items and being able to help them made me feel really good that I could make a change in their lives," Franklin said.
"I know that sometimes it can be hard at home," said sixth-grader Kayleigh Armick. "Trying to help out at all is pretty nice. Especially with all the (donations) that came in, it's really nice."
In its third year, the Girls Leadership Club's foundations are teaching the students strength, advocacy and action, things Brown began to understand as she was developing her own leadership skills.
"I wanted the girls to have a space where they could be themselves, embrace who they are and develop their own leadership skills and a love for their community in an environment with like-minded individuals," said Brown.
This year there are approximately 50 girls in the club, ranging from grade to sixth grade.
Brown said the girls are very ambitious. And they also have some of the kindest hearts she has ever seen children have.
"They see a need and they just go for it," she said. They are a driven group of young ladies who honestly will change the world one day."
The Care Closet is still in need of shampoo and conditioner. They will also accept body wash/ bar soap, tooth brushes, toothpaste and deodorant. Financial donations may also be made by making a check out to Pioneer Elementary and writing Girls Leadership Club in the memo.
All items should be unopened in original packaging. Donated items of any size are accepted. If you have any questions, please contact Miss Brown by emailing broalal@pioneer.k12.in.us.
