“Teaching is the greatest job in the world. Every day I get the chance to change a child’s life through encouragement, love, support, and knowledge. My only regret is that I don’t earn enough to help the needs of all of my kids in the classroom.”
–Middle School Teacher
Our mission continues with The Kindness Locker
Unfortunately, many children enter the classroom without certain resources that are essential. The lack of these resources (water, food/snacks, clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, etc.) are huge obstacles negatively impacting a child’s opportunity for social and academic success. Teachers have always been quick to jump to the defense of their students, often coming out of their own pockets to make sure no child suffers.
One could argue that no adult is more trusted by children than a caring and loving teacher. Teachers frequently have the opportunity to help identify children in need. Through everyday encounters, they can establish a network of support that often brings needed comfort, trust, and peace into a child’s world.
Although the academic environment is structured for learning, the ability to learn is dependent on a child’s arriving at school with basic needs. Basic school supplies (pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, etc.) are often missing from the student’s book bag. And many times, those needs fall at the feet of our teachers. 91% of teachers in the US spend an average of $800 a year on their students.
In 2021, we organized the Kindness Locker program to provide a more efficient and impactful way to align Henry County residents, community leaders, and local businesses with the students in need.
How does the Kindness Locker work?
- All Henry County schools are equipped with a Kindness Locker where the most needed school supplies, as well as basic necessities (toiletries, clothes, food, drinks) are made available for students and teachers in need.
- With the generosity of foundation grants and generous corporate and individual donations, the Kindness Lockers will be stocked throughout the year. Our goal is to provide a minimum of $1,000 in supplies to every Henry County School every year.
