NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Student-led Charity Clothing Drive Helping Local Community
In an inspiring display of community support, a local school in North Charleston, Military Magnet Academy, is giving back to the community through a student-led clothing drive initiative known as the Compassion Closet.
Compassion Closet Delivers Much-Needed Clothing
Launching its clothing drive on April 19 and running until May 11, the Compassion Closet initiative has resulted in over 300 pairs of shoes, clothing varying from children’s sizes to plus sizes, jewelry, and hats made freely available to community members. According to officials, the turnout of donations has far exceeded expectations.
Continual Effort Through the School Year
The process commenced at the start of the academic year, with the students from the school’s Student Government Association (SGA) beginning to accept clothing donations. The last day to donate clothes falls on April 27. This year marks the second time the program has been run by the school, initially beginning as a small service project between the school’s staff and students.
Students Leading Change
As the project has gained momentum, the support for the initiative quickly expanded to include local parents, community-based churches, and various organizations. The school’s officials noted that the primary motivation for the students and staff was to provide much-needed assistance to the local community. The Compassion Closet initiative is one of many community projects run by the SGA, though it has become the most significant in the scope of its impact.
The Ripple Effect of Compassion
“This is a way for the students to give back to the community and build comradery amongst themselves,” SGA Advisor, Marla J. Mitchell, said. The Compassion Closet has become a crucial resource for those in the community facing difficult circumstances. Regarding the initiative, Mitchell stressed the importance of compassion, declaring it “the wish to free others from suffering.”
Through the Compassion Closet initiative, the academy has provided assistance to various community members, including the neighboring homeless population and families of the students in need. Several stories have emerged highlighting the impact this program has had on individual’s lives.
Student’s Reaction to the Initiative
The SGA Vice President, Maliah Patton, expressed how the Compassion Closet initiative has helped to build character within her and her peers, stating, “It helps us basically give back to the community instead of us taking from the community.”
Any remaining clothes after the drive will be donated to transitional home organizations, such as local homeless shelters, ensuring that all the collected items will be put to good use.
This initiative has shown the incredible power of compassion, community service, and how the youth can mobilize to make a substantial difference in their local communities. May the Compassion Closet initiative by North Charleston’s Military Magnet Academy continue to inspire similar acts of kindness throughout South Carolina and beyond.
