ONE ANOTHER.

Armed with this simple acknowledgement of the goodness of all people and a faith in that of our community, Sharon began making connections for Raising Girls by contacting the Tacoma School District. The superintendent showed immediate interest, since there are organizations that focus on food and school products, but none on hygiene. From there she contacted individual schools, talking to each principal in turn to hear about the needs of individual students. Raising Girls then began to collect large donations of hygiene products for both boys and girls. The bags that Raising Girls put together were much larger than expected. Each tote bag is filled with full-size products, meaning that it often lasts for two months. When the district, schools, principals and staff actually saw the quality of the hygiene bags, they were immediately on board. From there, the doors were open to the nonprofit, who every year is able to serve more schools and students. Last year they were able to provide 4,700 hygiene bags throughout the South Sound. This simple work has ensured that no one student is left without the capacity to refresh and care for themselves outside of the home, allowing girls (and boys) in our community to hold their heads up high. This leads to greater understanding their power to express their individuality and pursue their goals.

Raising Girls sees the whole person, practically providing for basic needs that empower the students in our community. In this way, Sharon ChambersGordon and all the many volunteers who selflessly give carry on the legacy of Mary. Because of Raising Girls, the South Sound gets to experience a little bit of small-town goodness, even though we are a much larger collection of cities. We get to feel the dignity that comes with the ease of access to practical everyday needs, and the love that comes from individual attention. Raising Girls allows us to be that much more connected to one another. Through Raising Girls, our kids are seen. Because of Raising Girls, there is respect for every girl.

If you’re interested in getting involved with Raising Girls, more information is available on their website, RaisingGirls.org. It’s easy enough to volunteer, with options for in-kind donations of unopened hygiene products, or the donation of funds. You can even gather your co-workers or your company for a volunteer day, as Raising Girls is always in need of help at their hygiene tote bag packing parties. Raising Girls is happy to partner with local organizations to share love with all the students of our community! Speaking of partnerships, on September 9 at Chamber Creek Park, Vision Up Wellness is holding its second 5k walk/run event to end period poverty. All proceeds will benefit Raising Girls. To register, please visit RaisingGirls.org/events. The cost is $30 for an individual runner/walker, $55 for two, and $100 for a team of four. Children 12 and younger are free. All paying runners will receive a T-shirt. Sign up now for your chance to give back!