At Smith-Wade-El Elementary School, support has always taken many forms. Sometimes it is a warm greeting at arrival. Sometimes it is a teacher who notices when a student needs something more. And now, support includes the Bear Necessities Closet, a new effort that reflects the heart of the Smith-Wade-El community.
The idea began when Smith-Wade-El social worker Michelle Wilson saw families facing new challenges after federal SNAP benefits were temporarily frozen earlier this fall. With a school break approaching, she worried about students who depend on the stability that school provides. Michelle explained the moment clearly. “When the SNAP benefits froze, I had an idea that I did not want my families to struggle, especially over the holidays. I always worry about kids not having access to things they need.”
Michelle reached out to her own community and asked for help. The response filled her with gratitude. “I put a message on my personal Facebook page about what we were doing, our mission, and what our goal was. My sweet community showed up. People donated money, food, clothing, and household items. My heart swells with the amount of support and love that has been shown to our kiddos and families.”
Friends and neighbors who did not have items to contribute sent monetary gifts instead, more than five hundred dollars in total. A Smith-Wade-El parent donated three hundred dollars in Weis gift cards. Another parent secured a one hundred fifty dollar Wegmans gift card through their workplace. Four parents from Smith-Wade-El’s Family Teacher Organization offered their own donations and volunteered their time. They helped set up the pop up shop, created a sign up, organized donations, and shared the effort with their own circles. Michelle described their support as incredible.
The Bear Necessities Closet takes its name from the Smith-Wade-El mascot. It was arranged as a pop up shop where families could come as they are and take whatever they need. There were no barriers and no questions asked. Tables were lined with pantry items. Clothing racks held coats, pants, shirts, and shoes. Gift cards were ready for families who needed a little extra help. Families would leave with exactly what they came for, and they would know that their school community cares about them.
Michelle shared why this mattered. “It is basically just to put our arms around our community and show our support and our love for anybody, regardless of circumstances. No need is too small and no need is too big.”
Smith-Wade-El has now established a parent resource room on site where donated items will be stored year round. Michelle hopes to hold another distribution event closer to winter break, when students will be out of school for a longer period of time. Families who need items at any time can contact her by email, phone, text, Dojo message, or through their child’s teacher. If the right size or item is not available in the building, the district’s network of social workers will help locate it in another school. This collaboration happens every day, often through quick text messages and immediate problem solving. It is one of the strengths that unites every building in the School District of Lancaster.
She also wants families to know that help is always available.
The Bear Necessities Closet reflects Smith-Wade-El’s commitment to equity and dignity. Michelle said it aligns closely with the district’s mission. “Our mission is to meet people where they are. We want to be as equitable as possible. Whether you are a family of seven or a family of two, we will work together within our own Smith-Wade-El community and within the district to meet whatever need you have.”
Michelle shared how proud she feels to do this work. “I am so proud to work here. I am so proud to have these families and kids in my life. They are why I do what I do. If one pair of shoes or one blanket is helpful, then I have done my job.”
Families who wish to donate can contact Michelle directly. Donations of new children’s underwear and socks are always helpful. Gently used clothing, shoes, coats, and other wearable items are welcome. Pantry staples and shelf stable food items are needed throughout the year. Community members who wish to offer monetary support can reach out to Michelle to discuss the best way to contribute.
This is what care looks like at Smith-Wade-El Elementary. It is quiet, steady, and rooted in the belief that no family should face hardship alone. The Bear Necessities Closet is one more way the school continues to live out that belief every day.
To make a monetary donation, you can contact Michelle Wilson at SWE or through Venmo with the memo: SWE pantry
