Chattanooga, Tenn. (Nov. 10, 2021) -- The Hamilton County Schools Foundation was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the Lillian L. Colby Charitable Foundation to support the Care Closet program in Hamilton County Schools. The mission of the Hamilton County Schools Foundation is to support educational opportunities and excellence for ALL students through the effective mobilization of resources, relationships, and innovation. In partnership with Hamilton County Schools, one of the HCS Foundation’s strategic initiatives is accelerating student achievement. The Care Closets promote learning by ensuring students have the basic necessities needed for school.
“The Hamilton County Schools Foundation is so grateful for the support of the Lillian L. Colby Charitable Foundation,” said Krissa Barclay, Executive Director. “This generous gift to the HCS Care Closet program will provide essential items to thousands of students in our schools when they need help the most.”
The Care Closets are supported by community sponsors including churches, community organizations, and individuals.Thirty-six schools in Hamilton County do not have a Care Closet, including seven Title I schools. The grant from the Lillian L. Colby Charitable Foundation will support the establishment of three new Care Closets in schools that do not have them, as well as replenish much-needed supplies at existing Care Closets. The project will benefit approximately 9,000 Hamilton County Schools students.
“For a variety of reasons, students sometimes arrive at school without basic necessities, which can prevent them from actively participating in class or cause them to leave school early,” said Interim Superintendent of Hamilton County Schools, Dr. Nakia Towns. “The Care Closets ensure students have what they need to attend class confident and ready to learn.”
Care Closets provide students in need with necessities including: school uniform clothing, shoes, and socks; toiletries and other hygiene products; nutritious snacks; and school supplies. They may also provide items such as laundry detergent, bookbags, winter gear, and other basic items as available.
The mission of the Lillian L. Colby Charitable Foundation is to strengthen the greater Chattanooga region by supporting effective, well-led organizations and innovative programs that enhance opportunities for underserved children and adults. Lillian Colby was a former Thrasher Elementary School teacher and resident of Signal Mountain, TN. The Lillian L. Colby Charitable Foundation strives to impact the greater Chattanooga region by advancing education and economic mobility, with special emphasis on the marginalized.