We learned through Hamilton Township that there are kids that don’t go to school because they can’t afford deodorant and other hygiene items. This was confirmed by the gym teacher at Ewing High School, and that the teachers often buy these supplies. This was shocking, and we knew we had to do something about it! So the idea of the Shine and Inspire closet was born….
We fill closets at schools in our community with hygiene items, school supplies and non-perishable food. Ewing High School was our flagship closet, and today there are over 28 closets across Mercer County (and growing). We also work closely with the homeless liaison at the Trenton Board of Education to help children who are displaced or homeless.
Shine and Inspire will set up a closet in our Mercer County schools and ensure that it is filled, through direct donations or by our wonderful community partners. In return, we ask that the children or school “Pay It Forward” in some way.
To request a closet in your school, please submit a Closet Request. If you would like to donate closet items, please visit our Closet Collection Locations or you may simply go the following Amazon wish list, and your shopping items will ship directly to Shine and Inspire!
Ewing High School
We are so excited that Ewing High School has embraced the idea and opened the FIRST Shine and Inspire Closet! There is a teacher who is Paying it Forward by organizing students who will help keep the closet stocked. The students who benefit from the Shine and Inspire Closet will be Paying it Forward in some way.
Shine and Inspire will continue to work with staff at the Ewing High School to ensure the Closet meets the needs of its students.
Trenton Board of Education
We have recently learned that there are over 260 children who are displaced and don’t have homes of their own. They may be living in a motel or on somebody else’s couch or even in a shelter. We have opened a second closet and it is already being used!
Cadwalader Elementary School (NEW CLOSET!)
Crockett Middle School
Daylight Twilight High School (NEW CLOSET)
Fisher Middle School (NEW CLOSET)
Foundation Collegiate Academy (NEW CLOSET)
Greenwood Elemetary School
Gregory Elementary School
Grice Middle School
We love how Grice Middle School will be Paying It Forward … there are several events throughout the school year including writing a letter or drawing a picture to give to a nursing home for the holidays, writing a letter of appreciation or drawing an inspiration picture to send to our veterans, and writing a letter or drawing a picture thanking the police department, including their own school officer, Officer Sal!
Hamilton Education Program
Hamilton High School West
Klockner Elementary School
Kuser Elementary School (NEW CLOSET)
Langtree Elementary School
Mercer County Technical Schools – Arthur R. Sypek Center (NEW CLOSET)
The Arthur R. Sypek Center is starting a Community Service Club to identify needs in the students’ respective communities and working on ways to address them and get students engaged in resources. They will meet weekly to go over identifying focus areas and implement a service initiative each month. This may include collecting winter items, collecting books, preparing utensils for TASK, and other initiatives the students care about. The goal is to help inspire students to become change agents in their communities and to identify ways to get involved in helping others and be inspired to do so. They will also focus on a service initiative each month.
Mercerville Elementary School
Nottingham High School
Pace Charter School (NEW CLOSET)
Princeton Unified Middle School
Reynolds Middle School
Robinson Elementary School (NEW CLOSET)
Sayen Elementary School
Steinert High School
Sunnybrae Elementary School
Trenton Catholic Academy (NEW CLOSET)
Wilson Elementary School
Yardville Elementary School
How can you help?
Shine and Inspire is looking for donations of the following:
- Personal hygiene products (deodorant, hair care, soap, body wash, feminine products, toothpaste and toothbrushes, razors, wash cloths, towels, etc).
- School supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.)
- Non-perishable snacks
- Socks, gloves, hats and other clothing items
- Financial donations are welcome
If you would like to donate or have questions about the Shine and Inspire Closet please Contact Us.