Green Devil's Pantry & Closet
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The Green Devil's Pantry and Closet
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Green Devil's Pantry Needs in pdf format
https://www.fox13news.com/video/1458458
Good Day Grads | Keim's Closet
An elementary school end-of-year project brought tears and cheers in St. Pete, giving one graduating high school senior a chance to reflect on what it means to "pay it forward."
Third-graders collect donations for high school pantry
https://stpetecatalyst.com/third-graders-collect-donations-for-high-school-pantry/
Beyond the supply list: How a St. Pete teacher helps students show up as their best selves
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/education/green-devils-pantry-st-pete-high/67-71093abc-3c09-4f62-bef9-f14f02707732
The Closet is organized and maintained by SPHS student volunteers, stocked by donations by “Closeteers”.
Begun in 2006 with a $500 grant, Tracey Keim originally designed the Green Devils Pantry & Closet as a project to assist students with suits and dresses for dances and interviews. From those many garments grew something much larger in size and scope—where when something was needed, there was a place to go. The doors open dozens of times each week meaning we serve hundreds of scholars and their families each year.
Our mission is to provide food, household/school supplies, uniforms/undergarments and other needed items to any member of the Green Devil family without question or judgment to promote success in school, job placement and in the community. It is all about dignity and modeling benevolence.
Only 6x9’ in size, we accept specific items such as:
SPHS labeled shirts and hoodies, new underpants and socks. We do not accept other clothing, formal wear, or shoes. Toiletries are always needed with women's deodorant being the biggest "mover", followed by sanitary products, body soap with puffs, shampoo and rinse. Bookbag sized lotions (hotel sized) plus pocket packs of Kleenex and unopened cosmetics are gratefully accepted. We welcome school supplies, backpacks and makeup bags.
For food items, it must be easy to open, prepare and eat; such as peanut butter, crackers with peanut butter, soups, ramen noodles (particularly those in the cups), Vienna sausages, cereal, granola and cereal bars, nuts, microwave popcorn, macaroni and cheese (boxed), canned pasta of any type, tuna plus mayo and mustard, pre-made meals in a dish, bagged type of juices, and healthy snacks. Nothing needs to be name brand. Fresh bagged fruit is a luxury the students enjoy.
Small increment gift cards are useful in allowing Mrs. Keim to provide dignity to families to buy what they need for their household.
Ask yourself: what would $10 buy in food that will feed a family? Also, if I had only $5 to spend, what would I need to buy that food stamps might not? How about detergent, hand soap, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and paper towels--all items we might take for granted, especially when you need gas or bus fare.
Questions can be directed to Tracey Keim at Keimt@pcsb.org or call 727-709-9841. Drop off donations in the main office after school starts. Shop our ever-changing Amazon list to have items shipped directly to Mrs. Keim. Arrangements can be made for Mrs. Keim to visit your organization for a presentation about the Closet.
Here are some news stories:
BAY NEWS 9 STORY https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/education/2021/03/02/a--teacher--love-from-the--keimdom--stretches-worldwide
$10,000 MCDONALDS GOLDEN GRANT https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-pinellas/st-pete-high-school-teacher-named-10k-golden-grant-recipient-for-green-devils-closet
THE IT FACTOR INSPIRING TEACHER TRACEY KEIM (Teacher of the Year finalist video produced by Pinellas Schools for gala at Mahaffey Theater) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_Lcyqd9bs
Download More Information on GDPC in pdf format