MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a district where about 82 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, you don’t always see coats on cold days.
“You’re going to have a lot of students come to school today without coats on. That’s the best indicator to know that that student’s in need.”
Clarence Bays, a homeless facilitator for Shelby County Schools, said more than 500 SCS students are experiencing some level of homelessness this holiday season.
“You have students who are in need, but you’re not aware that they’re in need,” he told WREG.
That’s why there are efforts across the community for winter-weather donations.
WREG got involved with Tim’s Coats for Kids.
Now, the district is pushing Operation: Warm Hearts. Shelby County Schools said it’s accepting any of the basic cold-weather essentials like coats, sweatshirts and gloves.
Just recently, Memphis Police’s Community Outreach Program and Zach Randolph with the Grizzlies donated coats to every student at Alcy Elementary School, a school that most kids get to and from on foot.
“Having to walk to school everyday, because even when it rains, my attendance goes down,” Alcy principal Sunya Payne said. “And when the cold months come, my attendance drops.”
SCS hopes the coats change that.
The district also hoped the chilly weather at the bus stop will inspire others in the community to share what they can.
Operation: Warm Hearts continues through next week.
People may bring donations to the SCS School Board building and other locations.