Rain or Shine, All Students Deserve to Succeed
Missouri weather is anything but predictable–one day, it’s snowing, and the next, it’s pouring rain. It’s hard to know how to prepare or what to wear.
That’s where Care to Learn steps in. We partner with school districts to ensure kids have the essentials they need to stay healthy, dry, and ready to learn–no matter the forecast.
Warm Hearts on a Rainy Day
Meet Emma*. One day, she found herself lingering after class to ask one of her teachers, Mrs. Hammond*, if she could borrow a hot glue gun.
Mrs. Hammond said yes, but prodded for more information.
Emma explained that she needed the hot glue to help fix her shoes. She pointed out that the front pieces had come off, and her toes were sticking out. It wasn’t ideal for any day, especially the rainy ones.
“I’ve glued them together several times,” she reassured her teacher.
Mrs. Hammond grabbed the craft supply and plugged it in. She knew that Emma’s family didn’t have much and that new shoes would be a hardship.
She then asked Emma if she could help her buy a new pair and get her some extra seasonal gear with the help of Care to Learn.
Emma was elated.
“Having something that was both brand new and fit really boosted her confidence,” said Mrs. Hammond. “Teachers are nurturers, problem solvers, and givers, often sacrificing their own needs for the needs of their students. Care to Learn has stepped in with Emma and with others to help fill that gap for us.”
Both Emma and Mrs. Hammond will always remember this moment.
“I have no doubts that I made a connection with Emma. I know she will feel comfortable coming to me with any concerns or needs in the future.”
*Emma and Mrs. Hammond’s names were changed to protect the identity of the student served.
Rain or Shine, We Show Up
Rainy days, cold mornings, or unexpected life challenges shouldn’t stand in the way of a student’s success. Care to Learn empowers educators to act quickly, ensuring that students have what they need, right when they need it.
“The stories of students like Emma remind us why our work matters,” says Krystal Simon, CEO of Care to Learn. “Because behind every need met, there’s a child who feels seen, supported, and valued.”
Care to Learn currently has 52 on-site clothing closets in every single Springfield Public Schools (SPS) building. These are routinely stocked with essentials so that no child has to face a school day unprepared.
“Dry shoes, appropriate rain gear, or a fresh set of clothes can make all the difference for a student trying to focus in class,” says Krystal. “These little things can boost confidence, improve attendance, and foster a sense of security.”
Join Us in Making a Difference
Life doesn’t pause for inclement weather, and neither do we. With your help, we can continue to partner with school districts to fill the gaps for local students.
Join us in helping more students this season!
When kids have what they need, there’s no limit to what they can achieve—rain or shine.
