What began as a simple idea identified by a retired nurse has grown into a districtwide effort to ensure students have access to basic hygiene items whenever they need them.
Comfort Closets — quiet spaces stocked with toiletries, feminine hygiene products, laundry supplies and other essentials — are now established at several Clarendon County School District schools, thanks to the partnership of volunteer Margaret Walker and CCSD District Social Work Coordinator Kyndra Johnson.
Walker, a registered nurse for 35 years who now works PRN, said she first recognized the need this fall and reached out to Johnson for guidance.
“It was a need that I identified,” Walker said. “I contacted Kyndra because I knew she was a social worker and would be a segue for me to get into the district if she agreed that the need existed.”
Johnson said she didn’t hesitate.
“We see the need every day,” she said. “There are a lot of barriers to education for our students, and we don’t want hygiene or personal items to be one of them. We believe in serving the whole child.”
The district already maintains a Comfort Closet at the administrative office for families identified under the McKinney-Vento Act. But Johnson said placing additional closets inside individual schools allows students to receive help immediately, without waiting for a district social worker to travel from campus to campus.
“I love the fact that these closets are at different schools with staff right there,” Johnson said. “Students are using the products, and that helps with confidence, self-esteem, and even school attendance. Sometimes the lack of these items can be a barrier.”
Walker began circulating donation flyers in late September, opting not to list her name — only a phone number. The response was immediate.
“I got financial donations from family members. Staff at HopeHealth brought items. Our sorority gave funds,” Walker said, referring to the Sumter Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “Churches called. Alumni groups called. It’s come from a number of people in a number of ways.”
One recent delivery came from the East Clarendon Alumni Association, whose donation filled shelves at Walker-Gamble Elementary. Walker said churches across the county, several youth groups, and individual community members continue to drop off items weekly.
“Even though supplies have already been shared, the need continues,” she wrote in a public thank-you post. “Please don’t stop. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.”
The first bulk delivery went to Manning Elementary School in mid-October, followed by Dr. Rose Wilder Elementary. Last week, Walker and Johnson supplied Walker-Gamble Elementary and F.E. DuBose Career Center. They also stocked the Turbeville Children’s Home with toiletries — excluding laundry items, which staff there said were not needed.
Items include toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, reusable and disposable washcloths, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and feminine hygiene products. For younger students, Walker added children’s underwear to the supply list.
Importantly, Walker requested that schools allow students to take what they need without restriction.
“We don’t know what’s going on in people’s homes,” she said. “If a child says they need something, they should be allowed to get it—no questions, no policing, and not limited to one item. They may have siblings at home who need things too.”
Johnson said administrators across the district were invited to contact her if their school has a need. Manning Junior High already operates its own comfort closet, and Johnson said she expects additional secondary schools to be added as donations continue.
Walker and Johnson both emphasized that the effort will continue throughout the year. Donations remain essential.
“When I recognized the need, I didn’t realize how massive it was,” Walker said. “People have been a blessing.”
Johnson echoed the appreciation.
“During these times, we have to rely on each other,” she said. “Funding only goes so far, but our students’ needs don’t stop. I appreciate Ms. Margaret always being there to assist our district, our students, and our community.”
Anyone wishing to donate may contact Walker directly or deliver items to the guidance counselor at any participating school.
