Second annual Hope 4 Kids Hygiene Drive expands to serve 14 school districts across the region

SPOKANE, Wash. — The second annual Hope 4 Kids Hygiene Drive launches tomorrow, expanding access to essential hygiene products for students across 14 school districts in the region. The initiative, a partnership between 4 News Now and Project Beauty Share, addresses a gap in student needs.

“In a situation where someone is really struggling, you know, they can go to a counselor’s office, they can go to a teacher and those products will be in a pantry for them,” said Julie Farley, founder and executive director of Project Beauty Share.

Starting tomorrow, the community can drop off donations at the Project Beauty Share warehouse on East Sprague. The items collected will be distributed to schools, where students can access products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and feminine hygiene through school’s offices. Every school will have a different way they are distributing supplies.

Last year, the hygiene drive served over 82,000 students across nine school districts. This year’s expansion to 14 districts reflects growing recognition of the need. The East Valley School District is among the newly participating districts.

Doug Edmonson, CTE director for East Valley School District, emphasized the relief the program provides families facing financial hardship.

“With the cost of everything and prices, it’s just another thing they don’t have to worry about, and that’s the great thing. It’s been a difficult time for a lot of people and our families can benefit from this and they have benefited from it,” Edmonson said.

While the hygiene drive is not specifically designed for wildfire victims, many families impacted by recent wildfires will have access to supplies once they are distributed to schools.

Farley noted that she initially recognized the need for hygiene products after observing students’ struggles. Items like tooth brushes, toothpaste and deodorant fall outside what food assistance programs cover, creating a barrier for families with limited resources.

“These items are crucial to someone’s dignity and making them feel clean and confident,” Farley said.

Mandi Rehn, superintendent for East Valley schools, also thinks this is a very important thing to help kids.

“With the times right now, I think knowing that kids can get anything they need in each of our schools is just super important, and we’re just really happy to partner and be able to provide this for our families and students”.