Following up on a discussion at September’s school board meeting, during which South Williamsport School District Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs spoke of the hardships some students and families may face, the district has launched their Mounties Matter initiative, aiming to stock their care closet.

“Just looking at and understanding some of the basic needs that our students come into school with each day, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, clothing, whatever the case may be, we know that there’s families out there that could use help and support from members of the community that may be in a position to help,” Briggs said.

“We used to do a little bit of a drive for undergarments and that type of thing for the elementary schools, and we built that up, but then kind of got away from it. But we realize there’s a much bigger need for that kind of program now,” said board member Cathy Bachman.

The district’s efforts follow their receipt last year of state funding to provide feminine hygiene products, dispensing machines for which were recently installed in the district’s restrooms.

The Junior League also runs a campaign to help keep feminine hygiene products at no cost to students, Bachman added.

Last month, Bachman compiled an Amazon Wish List entitled “Mounties Matter 2025,” consisting of a variety of items, including deodorant, chapstick, acne treatments, toothpaste, body wash and more.

“One of the major needs right now is undergarments for kids, boys and men. And also gift cards that we can give for a gas station or a grocery store or something like that,” she said.

“These are not necessarily things they’re going to use in school and in the classrooms. These are more for the families,” Bachman said.

The district has been approached by a couple of organizations, one of which has made a significant donation, but by far, the biggest contributors have been those in the community.

“It’s been very heartwarming to see the amount that has come in, and one of the most heartwarming things is that young alumni are buying things. That really was an eye opener,” Bachman said.

“Some of the new alumni are still in college and they’re choosing smaller amounts that they’re able to do on their college salaries, and that’s just very touching to me,” she said.

“And we put something on there from $1 all the way up to $150 so there’s something for everybody,” Bachman said, adding that they’ve also received support from current and retired teachers, employees and staff members, as well as a borough councilman.

Around half of the 435 items on the list have been purchased so far, according to Bachman.

Any student or family who may be in need of any of these items is encouraged to reach out to the building administrator, school counselor or school nurse, Briggs said.

Briggs and Bachman said they are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support for the district’s student body.

“It’s a testament to our community,” he said.

“Understand that in today’s day and age, school just doesn’t start with coming into the classroom and passing a test and doing work at a table. It’s more about looking at the whole child and being able to determine fortunately or unfortunately, those needs that schools need to support and address,” Briggs said.

“Some people will say, ‘why isn’t the school providing this for them to use during school hours,’ but whatever we can do to make them a little more comfortable is the goal,” Bachman said.

“And, if we get one kid to ask about something they need, then maybe that’ll show somebody else to ask too,” she said.

Anyone interested in purchasing an item for the district’s care closet are encouraged to visit https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1UPZT9E7AW0CV?ref_=gr_landing_saved_custom.