Kinsley Horn, a rising junior at Middlesex High School, is making a difference in the lives of students through her community service initiative, A Fresh Start.
After learning that many students in Middlesex and Lancaster counties lack access to basic hygiene essentials, she recognized a need that often goes unnoticed, said Horn. While many families struggle quietly, the absence of everyday items such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion, face wash, feminine hygiene products and other personal care necessities can have a significant impact on a student’s life.
Poor access to hygiene products can affect a student’s self-confidence, attendance, classroom participation, social interactions, and overall well-being, she said. No child should feel embarrassed, isolated, or unable to participate in school activities because they do not have access to these basic necessities.
Determined to make a difference, Kinsley founded A Fresh Start, a project dedicated to providing hygiene bags to students in need throughout Middlesex and Lancaster public schools. Her goal is to distribute 1,200 hygiene bags, ensuring students have the essentials they need to feel confident, healthy, and ready to learn.
Community support is essential to the success of this initiative. Individuals, businesses, churches, civic organizations and community groups are urged to partner with A Fresh Start by making financial contributions, donating hygiene products, organizing collection drives, or sponsoring hygiene bags for local students.
A donation of $10 provides one complete hygiene bag for a student in need.
Donations may be mailed to A Fresh Start, P.O. Box 132, White Stone, VA 22578. Checks may be made payable to “A Fresh Start.”
For donors wishing to receive a tax receipt on contributions of $250 or more, checks should be made payable to the Lancaster County Virginia Education Foundation, with “A Fresh Start” written in the memo line.
“Together, our community can help ensure every student has access to the basic hygiene essentials they deserve. By working together, we can improve confidence, encourage school attendance, and remind every child that they are valued, supported and never alone,” said Horn.
