When a group of Clinton Park Elementary School first-graders recently visited Second Harvest food pantry, they learned that the organization was running low on toothpaste.
“They wanted to do something to help, so they decided to hold a toothpaste drive,” said their teacher Myra Kinchen.
Second Harvest frequently partners with Clinton schools to collect canned goods and other non-perishables for their community ministry. Homeroom classes that collect the most go on “working field trips” to Second Harvest to see how the operation works.
Liam Davis, Evan Rone, Walker Jackson, Mamie Rae Boswell, Sidney Owens Morgan, Emily Fortenberry and Janae Sinclair were inspired to help and got to work, decorating collection bins, posters and even writing speeches to read to their classmates.
“First we planned what we were going to do,” said Liam. “We put (collection) boxes on each hall and in the office. We went to each class and gave speeches.”
Principal Kelli Pope read announcements about the toothpaste drive over the intercom.
“We have about 50 tubes in our classroom,” said Walker.
Wayne Wilkinson at Second Harvest said that in years past, Clinton Park has demonstrated an overwhelming kindness to families in need in Clinton. Food drives are important, but other things like toothpaste often get overlooked.
“Second Harvest always has a tremendous need for toothpaste and toothbrushes and when these items are received, they are provided to families within the program immediately,” he said. “It really warms my heart that a group of first graders at Clinton Park is taking the lead to put others first and make an impact by giving back to those within our community.”
The toothpaste drive began Monday, and “we are keeping the toothpaste in these boxes in the hallway,” Mamie Rae said, pointing at a collection bin outside her classroom.
Kinchen is guiding the students through the process, but they’re doing the work and motivating their classmates to contribute.
“It’s nice to help other people,” Evan said.
Photo: Clinton Park Elementary School first-graders in Myra Kinchen’s class are holding a toothpaste drive to benefit Second Harvest food pantry. Pictured are (front row, from left) Evan Rone, Liam Davis, Emily Fortenberry (back row, from left) Mamie Rae Boswell, Sidney Owens Morgan, Walker Jackson and Janae Sinclair.