Families of Neenah High School students are receiving assistance through a new program called, “the Orbit.” Created by Neenah High School staff members, the Orbit is a closet filled with personal hygiene items, clothing, school supplies and a limited amount of non-perishable food items. Students and families in need are identified by school counselors and then accompanied to the closet to get items.
Staff members at the school have donated items and the Educational Foundation of Neenah provided a $750 grant to help with the start up. One of the freshman seminar classes assisted with a collection drive to fill the closet.
The Orbit has an inventory list to keep track of items and a request list in case a specific item or size is needed. A list of needed items is available on the NJSD website at: www.neenah.k12.wi.us/community/nhsorbit.cfm.
The Orbit also welcomes monetary donations that are tax deductible and partnerships with local businesses. Individuals or businesses are invited to check the list of needs on the website and drop their donations, marked “Orbit” at the high school main Door #3.
This school year there are 40 students identified as homeless in the Neenah Joint School District and 31 percent of high school students are in the free or reduced lunch program. The Neenah-Menasha Emergency Society and several parents have also assisted in preparing the Orbit this fall.
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