Volunteers collect health items for local students

In 2019, it was brought to the attention of the United Women of Faith at Lower United Methodist Church (LUMC) in Hartfield, that school nurses saw a need for health products that the local school division could not provide. The needs were mostly for girls in middle and high school who needed feminine and hygiene products. So, the women took on the mission of collecting the needed supplies. The name Cinderella Project was selected. Soon the mission was expanded to include all students in elementary, middle and high school through their clinics. With this expanded mission, the entire congregation was asked to support the mission.

Each month an email is sent to the school nurses to assess their current needs. Frequently requested items include tissues, hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, deodorant, floss, underwear, feminine hygiene products, juice boxes, water bottles, gently used clothing and combs. Requested items are posted on a board with sticky notes that the congregation can easily pull off to take shopping. The Cryer Center in Harmony Village has been supportive by giving gently used clothing to the Cinderella Project.

The Cinderella Committee meets monthly to sort and deliver donations to the school clinics. Monetary donations are used to purchase items that are requested, but not donated. If community members would like to support the Cinderella Project, monetary gifts may be sent to Lower United Methodist Church, 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield, VA 23071 or online at lumc@va.metrocast.net.