We are committed to improving the lives of children in our communities
History
In 2022, Noelle's Gift to Children Closet Initiative was established. 72 closets were built with help from The Carpenters Union and a grant received from Dow Chemical. Further funds were raised through the local Dow Chemical employees to stock the closets with items requested from the school contacts. We found that each school required items unique to their student population.
The closet allows students to access supplies when they need an item rather than predicting needs, waiting until families indicate a need, or until an activity has passed. Through the closet program, teachers can access materials for students discretely to support an inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of financial barriers. Items such as undergarments and extra clothing also allow students to return to class learning quickly after accidents. The closet is in a central location for staff to access items quickly and has a variety of items and sizing options at any given time.
The closets have created a new opportunity to provide immediate relief in moments of panic or anxiety by the students. Based on year one program evalualtion results, students have been access several closet items including various hygiene products, clothing, backpacks, lunch bags and water bottles.
In 2024, requests came in for an additional 11 closets to be built. Collaborating with Lambton College for the Phase 2 build and a donation from the Judith & Norman Alix Foundation we were able to facilitate the requests as well as provide additional funding to stock the new closets and restock the closets built in Phase 1.
How You Can Make a Difference
Become a school closet sponsor by choosing one of the following commitments:
"Noelle's Gift has made a profound and lasting impact on our school community, most notably through its generous support of the in-school "Closet" stocked with essential toiletries and clothing. For many students, access to basic necessities is not guaranteed. The Closet has become more than just a place to pick up soap, socks, or a clean shirt; it has evolved into a symbol of dignity, support and care.
Student who once struggled with self-worth due to a lack of personal items now walk the halls with newfound confidence. The ability to meet their basic needs directly contributes to improved mental health, better school attendance, and greater engagement in learning. Teachers and staff have witnessed firsthand how something as simple as having clean clothes or hygiene products can lift a burden off a child's shoulders and help them focus on being a kid again - learning, growing, and thriving. Noelle's Gift is not just changing lives -- it's creating a culture of compassion, one student at a time."
