Meeting students’ needs outside of the classroom is a challenge, and the Purdy school district is taking it head on by implementing the Care to Learn program at the district this year.

A Springfield-based non-profit with three primary goals: meeting students’ needs regarding health, hunger and hygiene. Purdy schools is partnering with the organization with financial support for a 5-year period, with the goal of self-sustaining further efforts.

Charity Rakoski, one of four Care to Learn liaisons with the district, said the program was recommended by K-6 Principal Julie Dalton, who attended a conference where Care to Learn was present.

“Care to Learn tries to cut the red tape to intervene quickly instead of going through an application process or qualifications,” Rakoski said. “We have two liaisons at the high school and two at the elementary, and we are in our third module of training, so we still have a ways to go. We knew going in that this would be a big undertaking to get it started, but once it’s in place, it will be so beneficial to our students.”

The program works by teacher referral, which is in the implementation process, and can range from anything to a child’s need for glasses or healthcare to a need for a toothbrush and underwear.

“Our teachers are with our students all the time and know their needs,” Rakoski said. “We can do things like set up eye exams and even transportation if needed.”

“It also empowers parents to take their child to the doctor if the program covers the cost,” said Amy Harkey, program liaison “As educators, we have been meeting a lot of these needs ourselves. We would either fund it ourselves or find someone to help. This facilitates that same help.”

By bringing such needs under one umbrella, the district is able to focus funds more efficiently.

“We do not have to stop our current partnerships with business or our churches,” Rakoski said. “Care to Learn is just there to close the gap.”

Purdy’s program is off to a strong start financially, with 67% of its staff — 72 individuals — making either a one-time donation or agreeing to a monthly payroll deduction as a continual donation. The effort resulted in $6,220 pledged for the year.

“We spoke to the staff on professional development day and asked them for a one-time donation or a monthly deduction,” Harkey said. “We were only asking for $5 a month from 50 people, and they stepped up and exceeded that amount.”

The $5 from 50 individuals would have started the program off with $250 a month, meaning it would have taken more than two years and no spending to meet the amount staff ultimately donated.

Purdy is also hosting a business and community breakfast in the high school commons area on Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. to fundraise more. Plans are in the works for semi-annual events in spring and fall.

Should their expenses exceed fundraising efforts, Care to Learn in Springfield has a reimbursement process available to the district for a five-year period. There are also fund-matching opportunities periodically.

Other uses for funds include items like grocery vouchers, clothing, classroom snacks and all type of hygiene products, including feminine products, “We can even pay for a service to spray for bed bugs in a home if that is ever an issue,” Rakoski said.

Long-term, the goal is to create a mini-market for students, a classroom space already dedicated and needing filled.

“We want a room dedicated to clothes, shoes, coats, socks, underwear and any hygiene product a student may need so our older kids can pick things for themselves,” Rakoski said. “The whole thing is about giving kids what they need to be successful in school, and we all know it’s harder to focus and be successful if basic needs go unmet.”

Rakoski and Harkey, as well as fellow liaisons Lindsay Hernandez and Lisa Essley, are excited to get the program on solid footing — and confident the community will show support.

“Purdy is a generous community, and we take care of our own,” Harkey said.

For more information, people may call the district at 417-442-3215.