Progressive Starkville Network donates hygiene items to SOCSD

Consolidated School District received some sundry items for its students who may not have access to them at home.

The Progressive Starkville Network held a drive to support the district’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) coat closet, a district-wide resource consisting of clothing and hygiene items for students in need. On Friday, the supplies collected by the network were turned over to the district at Armstrong Middle School. The closet is managed by the district’s social workers.

“They come in very handy for our families,” said SOCSD Social Worker Mildred Smith. “Many of our families have financial difficulties and need great assistance, also we’re able to utilize theme here at the school if there’s an emergency, so we really appreciate it.”

Smith also said the items could help students to remain at school.

“They may need some of the toiletries here at school, because they may come in and they don’t have deodorant, or they have not used deodorant because they rushed out of the house, ” Smith said. “It’s extremely important, and allows them to use these items and also the clothes that have been donated, and be able to stay here in school.”

The network has made an annual sundry donation to the district in years past. Items donated included, soap, toothpaste, female hygiene products, underwear and deodorant.

“Whenever needs like this arise, we try to put it out in the group, and everyone kind of contributes and pulls together stuff to contribute,” said Progressive Starkville Network member Audrey Reid. “It’s pretty cool. It’s a pretty great network.”

The network is a coalition of more than 500 citizens who work to promote progressive policies and candidates. The organization was formed in the wake of the 2016 presidential election.

“We’re the fabric of the community, so we need to support each other, and where there’s a need, we need to be that foundation to make sure that we build it up and support it,” said network member Yulanda Haddix.