Ridgeland High School FCCLA Chapter Makes a Difference with Toothbrush Drive for YMCA Backpack Blessings

Members of the Ridgeland High School FCCLA chapter recently completed a community service project focused on improving the health and well-being of children in our local community. After identifying a need for basic hygiene items, chapter members organized a toothbrush drive to support the YMCA Backpack Blessings program.

The YMCA Backpack Blessings program provides weekend food assistance to children and families experiencing food insecurity. Through communication with YMCA staff, FCCLA members learned that while food needs are addressed, hygiene items such as toothbrushes are often not included. Recognizing the importance of oral hygiene to children’s overall health and confidence, the chapter selected a toothbrush drive as a meaningful way to address this unmet need.

Chapter members planned and led all aspects of the project, including promoting the drive throughout the school, collecting donations, organizing items, and coordinating delivery with the YMCA. As a result of their efforts, the chapter collected more than 300 new toothbrushes, which were donated directly to the Backpack Blessings program for distribution to children in need.

This project allowed members to apply Family and Consumer Sciences knowledge related to child development, health, and family wellness while also developing leadership, teamwork, and community engagement skills. The project aligns with FCCLA’s mission of strengthening families and making a positive impact in local communities.

FCCLA members reflected on the success of the project and expressed pride in being able to support children in a simple but meaningful way. The chapter plans to build on this experience by expanding future service projects to continue meeting needs within the community.