Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) Parent University announced on Tuesday a partnership between WWS Parent University and Women of Westfield (WOW).
The partnership was established to help stock Care Closets at the high school, middle school, and intermediate school. A Care Closet is a space in the school where any student can pick up school supplies, hygiene items or snacks that help ensure that their basic needs are met in order to succeed in school. Members of WOW donated items from wish lists created on Amazon or Target.
“Our community is looking for ways to support students and families,” said Ashley Knott, Coordinator of Family and Community Engagement for Westfield Washington Schools. “To date, we have received over $4,000 worth of donations from this campaign and are appreciative of the opportunity to assist students. Meeting the needs of our students socially, emotionally, and academically is essential for a student to be ready to learn and that is why it means so much to us that WOW stepped up to help fulfill the needs of our students.”
Hosting a Care Closet is one way for the school district to make a big impact on the wellbeing of the students. WOW President Danielle Carey Tolan said the organization is proud to make an impact. Tolan also serves as the Washington Township Trustee.
“WOW is dedicated to partnering with our Westfield organizations to do our part in helping our community,” Tolan said. “In the past 18 months, we have been able to provide donations or volunteer hours to Heart and Soul Clinic, MacGregor Park, Prevail and now WWS. Service is a core goal of WOW, and working with Parent University is one way we are aligning with our mission. We are blown away by the support from our members.”
Westfield Intermediate School teacher Holly Fultz said she is glad that Westfield has organizations that care for the community.
“Our school is grateful to the Women of Westfield for their generous donations to our Care Closet,” Fultz said. “The Care Closet at WIS is open to all students who have a need for food, hygiene items, or school supplies. This space is important because Westfield is an economically diverse community and we want all students to have what they need to be successful each and every day. COVID-19 has increased the amount of hygiene supplies we are giving out. Thank you for all your support we have received at WIS.”
Westfield High School teacher Denver Wade said, “The Care Closet supports ANY basic need at Westfield High School so that students can really focus on learning while at school. The Care Closet is necessary because students have need, regardless of their background. This is an opportunity for their need to be addressed – without stigma – so they may reach their full educational potential. The item that has been most needed has been scientific calculators.”
For information on how you can donate to the Care Closets in Westfield Washington Schools, click here or email knotta@wws.k12.in.us.
About Parent University
WWS Parent University assists students and families as they navigate their educational experience at WWS. You can access support from WWS Parent University webpage, as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Women of Westfield
WOW was created to bring together and build empowering relationships among the women who live and work in Westfield. WOW’s focus is to positively impact the Westfield community by investing in women through relationships and service.