For over 15 years, students volunteering with the Locker Club have been providing food, clothing and support to their fellow students in schools across Texas giving back over $100,000 per year in goods and services.
For over 15 years, students volunteering with the Locker Club have been providing food, clothing and support to their fellow students in schools across Texas giving back over $100,000 per year in goods and services.
The Locker started in 2008 as a Service-Learning project for a group of students at Georgetown High School who saw a need to help their fellow students. From there it quickly turned into a weekly club open for all students to join. Today, it has spread to school districts all over the state and includes about 25 different schools, each with their own Locker club. The motto of the Locker is “kids helping kids” and aims to foster a community where all students can feel welcomed and supported. There are no economic or other qualifications to join the club, it is open to all students. “You never know what’s going on behind closed doors” says founder Karen Crosby. Which is why any student can receive services from the Locker, no questions asked.
The Locker hosts many events throughout the year with the mission of bringing students together and providing them with things they may need such as food or clothing. Some events they host include Teensgiving, their annual Powder Puff Game, Kids Helping Kids Stay Warm, Stock the Locker Nights, Kids Helping Kids be Successful in School and Kohls back to school shopping where students in need of new school clothes are accompanied by student volunteers who help them pick out clothes and purchase them using the funds they raise through several fundraising events throughout the year. This not only helps the students in need, it also teaches the student volunteers great life skills. The student representatives coordinate various fundraising events for the Locker. One example includes selling donuts the week before spring break to raise money for food gift cards to provide to students who may otherwise go hungry over the break. This teaches the students how to budget effectively and problem-solve. Another great life skill the club teaches students, says Karen, is empathy. “This has been a wonderful experience for everyone involved. It helps the student in need know it is not a big deal to need help and the student representing The Locker is taught how to respond with empathy and to make others feel at ease. Very powerful!”
The students with the Locker even created an inventory app, which allows students in need both to see what is available to them, along with place an anonymous order online for those who may feel uncomfortable asking for help. At some campuses the Special Ed students fill orders and make the deliveries. This creates many partnerships on campus and allows more students to be involved in helping others. The Locker Clubs support other clubs with their projects on their campuses. The Locker collaborates with many organizations trying to help kids including Boys and Girls Club, Williamson County Juvenile Justice System, and a range of local businesses and city municipalities as well. The participating schools have Locker clubs that meet once per week. These clubs conduct at least 2 Service-Learning projects per school year. Most clubs conduct several projects each year. The Locker utilizes volunteers and participants from adults down to fifth graders. The adult volunteers step up to assist the students in projects and planning. There is also a Student Advisory Board with two representatives per school who meet once a month to connect students from all participating schools, along with a group of fifth graders who meet once per week as a part of their curriculum at school. The Locker has effectively pulled participants from all over the state to come together and help kids receive the support and comfort they need to thrive. This organization has undoubtedly changed the lives of countless children, teenagers, and families throughout Texas.
