Chapter Information
Care to Learn - Willard was established in 2011 as the 8th Care to Learn Chapter. It currently serves students in partnership with the Willard R-II School District.
In addition to providing health, hunger, and hygiene needs, the Willard Chapter also has clothing/hygiene banks on-site at their schools and a robust backpack program, providing 260 bags weekly for students. Additionally, it hosts a community food pantry for families and is often open on evenings, weekends, and during inclement weather to assist those in need.
- Willard Community Food Pantry at 116 Mill Street - Open every Tuesday from 10AM - 2PM
- Willard Mobile Food Pantry at Orchard Crest Baptist Church- Open the first Thursday of the Month at 10AM
The Willard Chapter also partners with several organizations in the community to raise funds for students in need. Each year, the Willard Chapter hosts a Turkey Trot to support students in garnering support for health, hunger, and hygiene needs and raising awareness for the local Chapter.
Key Facts
Care to Learn - Willard
- $268,347.53 = Total Amount Spent to Meet Students’ Needs
- 65,805 = Total Number of Student Needs Met
- $4.08 = Average Cost to Meet A Student’s Need
Photo Gallery
Chapter Leadership
Merikate Alexander
Merikate is one of the Chapter Liaisons for the Care to Learn - Willard Chapter. She also serves as Social Worker for the Willard R-II School District.
As a Liaison for the Willard Chapter, Merikate works within the Willard R-II School District to ensure students’ basic needs are being met and to raise funds to ensure Care to Learn – Willard continues its mission.
When asked what Care to Learn meant, Merikate shared, “It means no child goes home hungry, no child has to feel like they don't belong because of what they have or don't have, every child is given the opportunities to be successful.”
Erica Russell
Erica is one of the Chapter Liaisons for the Care to Learn - Willard Chapter. She also serves as a Social Worker for the Willard R-II School District.
As a Liaison for the Willard Chapter, Erica works within the Willard R-II School District to ensure students’ basic needs are being met and to raise funds to ensure Care to Learn – Willard continues its mission.
Amanda Hambey
Amanda Woodall
Amy Stroder
Becky Haley
Cindy Henslee
Deanna Holmes
DJ Schoolcraft
Everett French
Jennifer Bouse
Karen Stewart
Matthew Young
Rachel Griffin
Sarah Baumgardner
Stacia Buffington
Trina Cowan
Meeting the Need
Care to Learn - Willard works with the Willard R-II 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
Weekend food bags (PK – 6th)
Food pantry
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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