Weekends and holiday breaks from school are often reasons to celebrate for students across our area. However, for some students, this time off from school is marked by worry and frustration, not knowing if they will have access to the most basic need, food. Students across the country are fed breakfast and lunch during their school day, but that means there are large gaps in the week when there is nothing to eat at home. A student who is hungry has a difficult time learning, developing, and growing into who they need to be. In the Cleburne area, this is where S.H.I.N.E. steps in.
What is S.H.I.N.E. Together?
S.H.I.N.E. Together is an organization created to help children and their families in Johnson County and surrounding areas. S.H.I.N.E. has been actively involved in bridging the gaps between students and some of their needs for several years. From backpacks filled with school supplies to eye exams and back to school hair-cuts to seeing other ways to serve the community, S.H.I.N.E. states they “want to see people thrive, not just survive and if we can make just one day better, that is what we strive to do.” A large part of our service in this area considers the hunger students experience every day.
What is our current effort?
During the 66 hours between the dismissal bell on Friday and the start of school on Monday, there may be few opportunities to eat for kids in certain situations. Over the past three years, S.H.I.N.E. has created food pantries and provisions at three high schools and are looking to expand to seven additional high schools in the near future. By providing non-perishable items that are easy to transport home, S.H.I.N.E. offers these students one less thing to worry about during their time off. With the approaching Thanksgiving holidays and additional time away from school, with Christmas break looming, the need for help is growing.
How can we help?
Along with other area businesses, Integrity Urgent Care Cleburne is partnering with S.H.I.N.E. Together to provide a convenient place for our community to help with this need. There are multiple you can help! Donations of funds are always accepted and even small amounts can help in large ways, just $100 can feed 16 High school students for a weekend. Additionally, this partnership encourages the donation of actual food items, from any brand, including, but not limited to-
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Ramen Noodles
- Tuna
- Individual chip bags
- Cheese and crackers
- Vienna sausage
- Individual cereal boxes
- Fruit Snacks
- Individual packs of nuts
- Muffins (Individually Packaged)
- Honey Buns (Individually packaged)
- Rice Crispy Treats (Individually Packaged)
- Knorr or other brand Pasta sides (in bags)
- Slim Jims or other snack sticks
- Handi-Snacks
- Spaghetti-O’s
- Pop-Tarts
- Individual apple sauce cups or pouches
- Fruit Cups
- Granola bars
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrushes
- Brushes
- Feminine products
- Bath bombs
- Face and Body soap
- Deodorant
In addition to being able to drop off donations at Integrity Urgent Care any day, from 8 am to 8 pm, between now and Thanksgiving, these pop-up locations can accept your help as well!
Yellow Jacket Stadium
1201 W. Henderson Street, Cleburne, TX
November 18th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or November 19th from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Cleburne Drug
310 N. Ridgeway, Cleburne, TX
November 13th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Kroger
1617 W. Henderson St, Cleburne, TX
November 14th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Main Street Elite
316 West Kilpatrick, Cleburne, TX
November 20th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Calvary Baptist Church
700 Woodard Avenue, Cleburne, TX
November 22nd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Integrity Urgent Care is proud to serve our community beyond the health needs we treat within our clinic walls. For more information about S.H.I.N.E. Together view their Facebook page or contact us today.
