Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity at The University of Toledo, is collaborating with the Neighborhood Health Association and Toledo Public Schools to collect hygiene products for students at Jones Leadership Academy of Business.
Jones Leadership Academy of Business, a TPS school, prepares students in grades 7-12 to become future business and community leaders. Its business-themed college preparatory curriculum includes marketing, finance and supply chain management. Those students also participate in the Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) program through the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation at UToledo.
“Our students share ambitious dreams of becoming entrepreneurs and international businessmen and businesswomen,” said Joanna White, president of the parent-teacher organization at Jones Leadership Academy of Business. “Some of our students come from poverty and low socioeconomic backgrounds. This hygiene drive will make a positive difference in their lives. We anticipate our students’ attendance, grades and graduation rates will increase.”
Avery Bohman, vice president of service for Alpha Phi Omega and a junior studying English and sustainability at UToledo, said student support for community service is critical.
“I think it’s important for students our age to participate in service like this,” Bohman said. “Donation drives are perfect, easy and fun ways to help those in need. I believe we grow as people every time we gift our time to others.”
“UToledo continues to serve as a source of support to the students of Toledo Public Schools,” said Dr. Romules Durant, superintendent and CEO of Toledo Public Schools. “We are incredibly grateful for their support in helping our students in need. Through this service project, they are helping us deliver on our promise to the community of serving the whole child. It takes a village and we are honored to have UToledo as a part of ours.”
To contribute to the drive, bring new or unopened body soap, deodorant, hair products, menstrual products, toothbrushes and toothpaste to one of the drop-off locations through Monday, March 14.
Donation locations include:
• Jones Leadership Academy of Business, 430 Nebraska Ave.;
• Neighborhood Health Association, 1415 Jefferson Ave.;
• Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women at UToledo, Tucker Hall Room 0168;
• UToledo Office of Multicultural Student Success, Thompson Student Union Room 2500;
• Savage Business Complex Key Bank Lobby on UToledo Main Campus;
• Mulford Library Main Entrance Lobby on UToledo Health Science Campus; and
• UToledo Medical Center Pavilion Main Entrance Lobby on Health Science Campus.
Students and community members also are invited to help create self-care kits with the donated items from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, at the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women at UToledo.
For more information about the hygiene product drive, contact Joanna White at 419.470.9786 or jlaptotoledo@gmail.com.
