BLANCHESTER — A teacher is looking to give a helping hand to less fortunate students.
Jenny Hartman, a special education teacher at Blanchester High School, and her class are launching a food/basic needs pantry called the Wildcat Den Pantry.
“I love this town, but have noticed a need in our community. Many families struggle to make ends meet and our community pantry hopes to fulfill those needs,” said Hartman, a 2009 Blanchester graduate. “We want to be able to give back to our community because of all the support that our community has shown us as a school district.”
In order to make the Wildcat Den Pantry a success, she said they’re looking to collect donations of non-perishable foods, basic needs such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and gently used formal attire.
“This will help our students have access to homecoming and prom dresses as well as shirts, ties and dress pants,” said Hartman. “Everyone wants to fit in, feel awesome and enjoy every aspect of their high school experience.”
She brought the pantry to the Blanchester School Board’s attention during their meeting on Monday. She told the board she hopes to have it run on donations this year with the intention of applying for grants for it.
“I’m hoping that the community and the board will support me on this by offering donations,” she said at the meeting.
Any donations can be dropped off to Blanchester High School at Hartman’s during normal school hours. For further questions or comments, reach Hartman at [email protected].
