Kindergarten Teacher Goes Viral after Sending Low-Income Students into Classroom Closet
Sure, some people have decided to avoid engaging in social media discussion threads altogether. It’s regrettably true that on many occasions, these threads contain distressing posts that seem to promote nothing but disagreement and divisiveness.
But here and there, certain bright spots absolutely stand out. And when those discussions occur, they can encourage new ideas that inspire everyone involved.
Take one mammoth thread that was recently cultivated on Reddit. A Redditor with the handle “Terevok” mentioned his kindergarten teacher wife and her colleagues, who had devised a plan to help low-income students at her school.
This compassionate crew is undoubtedly well-acquainted with current statistics. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, roughly 15 million kids in the United States live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold.
That translates to about 21 percent of all children in the country. But the NCCP goes on to explain that most families actually require nearly double the threshold income to cover basic expenses — meaning that in reality, about 43 percent of U.S. youngsters could technically be considered “low income.”
These educators also likely realize that a child living in poverty can struggle physically, emotionally, mentally, academically, and interpersonally. After all, who would encounter these students on a more regular basis than our nation’s dedicated teachers?
So the woman in question set out to take some targeted action. She and her fellow instructors created something called a “comfort closet.”
The Reddit post and subsequent entries explain that this particular school serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Accordingly, teachers decided to stock this supply area with clothing and common hygiene products.
These caring, kid-focused individuals evidently purchase the items with their own hard-earned money. They’ve also received welcome community donations from local business owners, parents, and others.
The teacher’s husband even shared a photo of the closet. He explained that it was originally an unused locker room, until the instructors formulated this much more innovative function.
Now the space is brimming with toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, combs, shirts, pants, and more. Redditors were so impressed with this initiative that they instantly asked how they could help support it.
Then others began sharing stories of similar arrangements at schools near them. And the discussion expanded and flourished from there.
What a fantastic reminder that a few committed, caring individuals can often achieve a lasting impact. And when our children benefit, our entire world benefits, too.
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