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Georgia College & State University’s Communities in Schools Milledgeville Baldwin County is hosting its Reverse Advent Calendar event throughout December.
The Reverse Advent Calendar began Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 24. This annual event is hosted to gather donations of school and hygiene supplies for students to use going into the new year.
“We started the event last year. I was inspired by a food pantry that was doing an advent calendar for their organization,” said Janet Cavin, executive director of Communities in Schools Milledgeville Baldwin County.
Communities in Schools Milledgeville Baldwin County has site coordinators in all of the public schools that keep supply closets throughout the year and work closely with staff and students. The items donated will be used by site coordinators to create supply bags for students in need.
“We want to be an available resource inside the school building,” said Cavin. “About 70% of kids who attend Baldwin County schools are living in poverty so they may not have access to everything they need.”
The calendar lists a range of example items from pencils and composition notebooks to Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer and other items such as fidget items, socks or underwear, and paper lunch bags. According to Cavin, the top need items are typically deodorant, soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene products.
“Around third or fourth grade, students begin using hygiene products so we constantly run out of supply throughout the year. It’s a highly needed item,” said Cavin. “Students who do not have access to these items will sometimes stay home rather than attend school with low hygiene.”
To donate to the advent calendar, fill a box or bag with as many items as listed during the advent season and drop off the bag or box at Georgia College’s Chappel Hall Room #101, or at the Baldwin County Board of Education office.