Deb Ciciora wanted to help some of the underserved students at Eisenhower High School who, stuck at home because of the pandemic, have been struggling more than usual to get the simple personal hygiene products the school keeps tucked away for them.
So Ciciora, a teacher assistant at the Blue Island school, and her husband, Neal, were busy Tuesday handing out hygiene bags filled with shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothpaste and two rolls of toilet paper each to parents and students in front of the school. Families also received laundry bags with eight or 10 detergent pods and fabric softener sheets.
“They were all very appreciative, had smiles and thank you,” said Ciciora.
One mother asked if they were sure these items were being given for free, Ciciora said.
“Kids were translating for their parents and they were just grateful,” she said.
The handouts, which will continue at the school entrance every two weeks while the shelter-at-home order continues, have been available for students since 2016, when teacher Vanessa Connor and security guard Shirley Jones started The Closet for students in need. Ciciora helped out early on, but when Connor moved on to teach at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, she took over.
“We had a kid whose trailer burnt down,” Ciciora said. “We get kids who come from Mexico and live with aunts or uncles and grandmas and have a roof over their heads, but that’s all.”
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“It’s very sad. There are times when I’ve walked out of there and have tears in my eyes.”
Principal Erik Briseno said the number of families seeking the grab-and-go lunches has increased from 50 the week of school closing to 125 recently.
“During lunch distribution, many students shared that they were struggling with obtaining basic hygiene supplies and toilet paper,” Briseno said. “So, Ms. Ciciora had an idea of placing hygiene supplies along with two rolls in a bag for distribution to our families.”
The Cicioras went to a dollar store in Robbins for many of the items, and others were donated. Tide donated the laundry products and Beggars Pizza on Kedzie Avenue in Blue Island donated plastic bags for the products.
“We’re always looking for donations, items or monetary,” Ciciora said.
Those interested in donating products can contact Ciciora at [email protected]. The next sharing date is April 20.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.