The Staff Management | SMX team in Lafayette, Ind., continued its connection with the community in March by hosting a food, clothing and personal items drive for LTHC Homeless Services clients with some help and friendly competition from Lafayette School Corporation elementary schools.
For two weeks in March, each classroom had a donation box for students to bring in items for the donation drive, with the challenge that the class that brought in the most donations would win a pizza party. Teachers provided the students a list of requested items on a flyer that the students could bring home. The response was astounding and for a few parents in the community, it was a way to give back.
“We had such a great turn out; our hearts were so full when we saw how much people were willing to give,” said Staff Management | SMX Account Manager Jazzmin Washington. “Turns out, many students’ parents used the LTHC at some point in their lives and were eager to give back to the organization that once helped them.”
The school donations brought in more than 5000 items for LTHC Homeless Services, led by the smallest school in the district, Oakland Elementary, who brought in 3600 items – in one week! The drive was such a success that LTHC shared donations with partner organizations because they couldn’t store all of it.
“I had a lot of fun doing this project,” said Recruiter Chris Garcia. “It’s something I hold close to my heart. It was a humbling experience and I was brought to tears when I saw how much the community helps each other out. It was amazing to see these benefits come full circle to people.”