Healthy Students Make Better Learners: Meet the Young People Donating Personal Care Items for Back-to-School

These DoSomething members are supporting their peers in the classroom and beyond.

A vibrant collage of diverse individuals holding bags filled with essential supplies, showcasing community service and volunteer efforts. The image highlights involvement in civic learning and leadership programming, fostering safe and supportive environments.

Black and Latinx Americans are twice as likely to contract COVID-19 as white Americans, and are twice as likely to report job loss due to the pandemic. This makes it especially difficult to afford crucial products for health this back-to-school season.

The color of your skin or your family’s income shouldn’t determine your well-being, and healthy students are better learners. That’s why DoSomething members are collecting personal care and cleaning items to help students stay healthy and perform their best in school this fall through DoSomething’s Healthier Us campaign, powered by CVS Pharmacy.

Here are some young people making a difference in their communities -- one bag of donations at a time!

1) Leia, 18

An individual holds multiple clear bags filled with school supplies, promoting community service and educational support. The background features a table with a floral tablecloth and curtains, highlighting an effort to provide resources for a healthy school year.

“I learned that hygiene plays a role in academic performance. If these children from low-income households cannot get their hands on these products necessary to live a healthy lifestyle, their learning will be limited. This campaign gave me the opportunity to give these kids a fresh start to the school year with some hygienic products.”

2) Julissa, 19

A person smiles while holding a card that says, 'Have a great and healthy school year!' In front of them is a table displaying care packages filled with school supplies and personal hygiene items, promoting community support and wellness.

“I live in a small town called La Villa, Texas and the community is mostly Latino with low income families. COVID has struck our little town. This is important to me because I can help a fellow student from my community stay safe and healthy.”

3) Alyssa, 17

A smiling individual holds a package labeled 'You got this' while sitting at a table with two clear bags filled with colorful craft supplies. These materials represent volunteer and community service opportunities, encouraging civic engagement and creativity.

“Over the years, I have volunteered at Boys and Girls Club, and I see how impactful it is to provide supplies to kids with necessities that others might have easier access to. I’m a strong believer that a small act of kindness can go a very long way, especially towards others in these tough times.”

Healthier Us

Donate 5 items to help students stay healthy and perform their best in school.

4) Anthony, 17

A young person stands in a room with a brick wall, holding two clear bags filled with personal care items like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. This image highlights community service efforts through volunteer work in providing essential supplies.

“My family has struggled most of my life, living paycheck to paycheck and these experiences have helped teach me the importance of helping others, as at one point in my life I too needed that same help. So i think it's very important to give back to those struggling, to hopefully create a better world (especially in these hard times).”

5) Alejandro, 21

A healthcare professional wearing a blue scrubs and a mask stands in front of a table filled with various hygiene and health care products, including soap, toothpaste, paper towels, and face masks, highlighting the importance of community service and health support during challenging times.

"This campaign is very important to me not only because I'm a healthcare worker but because I tested positive for COVID-19 and know how it feels to be sick and in quarantine. Thankfully I had family that could drop off essential things like food and personal care items. Unfortunately there's people out there that don't have that family support or can't afford it...Therefore it is time for those who have not been affected greatly by Covid-19 to step up and help those who are less fortunate.”

6) Cayla, 17

A smiling individual wearing a yellow shirt holds two clear bags filled with personal care items like toothpaste, deodorant, and lotion, showcasing their involvement in community service. This image highlights engagement in volunteer opportunities focused on providing essential resources to those in need.

“As a person of color who has been fortunate enough to receive a good education, I feel that it is important that I do whatever I can to help other BIPOC have the chance to receive a good education as well...It's necessary to have good hygiene so that you can perform in the classroom at your full capability.”

7) Edina, 24

A person holding two clear bags filled with hygiene products, including shampoo, toothpaste, and sunscreen, showcasing community service efforts. This image highlights volunteer opportunities and civic engagement in providing essential items for those in need.

“I have been feeling the urge to reach out to my community and perform acts of kindness especially during this rough time we all are facing. I was very excited for this project and I was even able to recruit family members to donate money. Together we were able to give our local shelter $200 worth of all kinds of goods!”

8) Zoe, 17

A smiling individual holds multiple clear bags filled with school supplies and personal care items, featuring uplifting messages for a healthy school year. The backdrop includes a decorative entryway, emphasizing community support and volunteer efforts.

“I am lucky enough and blessed that my parents are able to supply me with many resources to keep me safe and healthy during the pandemic. I want others in my community to experience this luxury too. All kids deserve to start each morning fresh and clean.”

9) Michael, 17

A smiling individual holding a clear plastic bag filled with personal care items, showcasing volunteer efforts to provide essential supplies to the community. The image highlights the spirit of civic engagement and community service.

“Poverty and homelessness is an issue that hits close to home. Having seen the issues firsthand with some family members, I know the struggles that people can go through. I had fun helping out these shelters, and it's good to know that these items will be given to people who need it.”

10) Kayla, 17

A person with curly hair and glasses is sitting on the floor, smiling while holding two bags filled with various hygiene and cleaning products. The individual is wearing a yellow t-shirt promoting environmental cleanliness, surrounded by additional bags on the floor.

“This campaign is important to me because I am able to help people that need assistance that are experiencing hardships. I want to thank you for allowing me to recognize that people do need assistance, and now I have created a plan to contribute monthly to homeless shelters.”

11) Abigail, 26

A smiling individual holding organized bags filled with masks, hand sanitizers, and encouraging notes for community service. The image highlights volunteer efforts and civic engagement in providing essential health supplies.

“As an occupational therapy (OT) student, I know I have a unique responsibility to advocate for underserved children and their families facing an uncertain future during the current pandemic...This experience has inspired me to express gratitude for the moments and tangible items I often take for granted.”

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