Fort Frye receives hygiene supplies for students from AEP Ohio
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BEVERLY -- Fort Frye Local Schools received a donation of hygiene products from AEP Ohio employees to help students and families prepare for the new school year.
Lineworkers at AEP Ohio's Marietta Service Center organized the donation drive after learning from Fort Frye Superintendent Stephanie Starcher that the district needed personal care products for students.
"We are always accepting those, because we provide a lot of those types of supplies to families and students in need," Starcher said. "Each year, we usually wipe out our supply."
The donated hygiene products will be kept in the school nurse's office and distributed to students as needed throughout the school year.
"Donated hygiene products make a real difference for students and families that cannot afford or access them," Starcher said. "These donations remove a barrier that allows students to feel more comfortable and confident at school, which in turn promotes learning and success."
Fort Frye also operates the Cadet Closet, a student-assisted clothing closet at the high school, and keeps additional clothing in each school office. The district accepts clothing and personal care donations, but Starcher said its needs can vary throughout the year.
Those interested in making future donations should contact Starcher to ask which hygiene products or other supplies are most needed at that time. Coordinating with the district can help ensure donations match students' current needs and prevent an excess of items already in stock.
The Marietta donation drive was part of a larger summer community service effort by AEP Ohio employees across the company's 61-county service territory. According to the company, its back-to-school initiatives have helped hundreds of students and families obtain supplies for the upcoming school year.
AEP Ohio said its employees are participating in a variety of community activities through its "Power for Good" initiative, which focuses on connecting employees with the communities the company serves.