Chapter Information
Care to Learn - Springfield was established in 2008 as the first Care to Learn Chapter. It currently serves students in partnership with Springfield Public Schools.
In addition to serving the health, hunger, and hygiene needs, the Springfield Care to Learn Chapter currently has a robust clothing closet program. Every school building has its own Care to Learn Closet, which is restocked monthly with brand-new clothing and hygiene items. In addition, Care to Learn - Springfield serves several school sites with on-site food pantries and emergency classroom snacks.
Care to Learn was born out of the Springfield Public Schools system and now serves school districts all over the state.
Key Facts
Care to Learn - Springfield
- $2,062,556.84 = Total Amount Spent to Meet Students’ Needs
- 1,176,492 = Total Number of Student Needs Met
- $1.75 = Average Cost to Meet A Student’s Need
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Chapter Leadership
Melissa Rea
Director of Chapter Services
Melissa Rea joined the Care to Learn team in 2017 and has served as the Springfield Chapter Services Specialist and Closet Program Coordinator. She currently supports Chapters and manages community partnerships as a Director of Chapter Services. Melissa came to Care to Learn after spending a decade as a Project Manager in the pharmaceutical meeting industry and finding a passion for building community and helping kids through volunteer work.
Melissa grew up in Clever, Missouri, and graduated from Missouri State University. She is active in the community and has served as president of Queen City Sertoma and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. When she’s not at Care to Learn, Melissa performs in several local bands and produces live music events throughout the Ozarks.
Building and growing the Care to Learn Closet program in Springfield Public Schools is Melissa’s proudest accomplishment with Care to Learn thus far, but she’s not stopping now!
Meeting the Need
Care to Learn - Springfield works with the Springfield Public School District to fill these health, hunger, and hygiene needs for students:
HEALTH
Doctor appointments
Dental care
Eye exam and glasses
Hearing services/equipment
Mental health services
Pest control services
Prescription assistance
HUNGER
Food pantries
Classroom snacks
Grocery vouchers
HYGIENE
Clothing/Shoe voucher
Shampoo/Soap
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine products
Lice treatments
Laundry detergent
Laundry vouchers
Household cleaning supplies
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