For the first time, Black Horse Pike Regional School District is holding a winter-clothing drive at all three high schools through Friday, Nov. 19.
Schools will collect new, gently used and cleaned winter items, including jackets, socks, hoodies, hats and gloves. Students and residents can drop off items any time at the main entrances of Timber Creek, Highland and Triton Regional high schools, including during school functions and sports events.
The idea for the drive came after several meetings involving Superintendent Dr. Brian Repici and parents on the Home and School Council about ways they could give back to the community.
“The idea is to get us and our students to be of more use to the community,” Repici said. “Although educators are doing that naturally, we felt as if we could do more, so we shot around several ideas and settled on doing two a year, one in the fall and maybe another in winter/spring.”
While plans are still being finalized, the district ultimately hopes to partner with local organizations or other school districts to distribute clothes to local needy families. Following the donation period, about 60 students will help sort and inventory the clothes to make finding what people need easier. These include students in the job transition program, who are 18 to 22 years old with special needs; students in the Air Force Jr. ROTC program; and those merely interested in helping.
“With winter coming up and all the families in need, I think this will really benefit them the most in the winter months,” Repici said.
To stay up to date with the district, visit its website at https://www.bhprsd.org/Page/1 or follow it on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bhprsd.