By Shannon Sanders
Did you know that the Maynard Jackson High School (MJHS) has a program to assist at-risk students and their families that are in need of basic essentials? That is exactly what The Sunshine Closet does.
The Sunshine Closet at MJHS was established in 2015 by star social worker, Takana “Connie” Petty, MSW, with a simple request for a shelf in one of the school’s supply closets to collect canned goods for families in need. This “shelf’ has since grown into an active organization of volunteers and supporters united to serve the needs of Maynard Jackson’s at-risk students and their families, working under the guidance of Ms. Petty and the MJHS Student Support Team. The closet, now a room, is stocked with food, hygiene products, school clothing, backpacks, school supplies, and baby items, all of which are available to the students who need them.
A major need coming up, that offers a special opportunity for the surrounding community to lend their support to this program. It is the Holiday Drive and with a hefty goal, the community’s help is crucial: $5,000 would make it an awesome support drive. The $3,500 goal will cover it and make it very special.
The Sunshine Closet conducts two drives a year on behalf of the students. Prior to each Winter and Spring breaks, fundraising efforts provide homeless students with gift cards to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and activities so they can spend time indoors while school is out of session. While many of the students and families have temporary housing for night-time, during the daytime hours, outside of the school days, they need somewhere to go. These gift cards offer indoor activities to provide some relief and entertainment, especially in cold weather. Gift cards to local restaurants, shops, and grocery stores enable those in need to purchase essential items. This isn’t a drive for gifts, but for necessities that these students do not have easy access to when school is not in session.
For the upcoming December holiday break, bags including gift cards and small gifts such as gloves, hats, a few hygiene products and maybe a special item, like Hawks shirt. Each year, 29-36 students are supported with this drive. The Sunshine Closet is asking southeast Atlanta residents to help with monetary donations so the committee can purchase needed items this year for these Holiday Break Gift Bags. No donation is too small or too big; your dollars add up. Please go to www.mjhssunshinecloset.org and give today.
