Cresco Times Plain Dealer Leads Successful Donation Drive for Crestwood Students
Tue, 09/01/2026 - 12:22pm
admin
By:
Rachel Riley - TPD Editor
The response for the drive from the community was nothing short of remarkable. By rallying together and demonstrating their collective generosity, the residents of Howard County have exemplified the power of community spirit and unity in uplifting and assisting those facing difficulties.
HOWARD COUNTY - The Cresco Times Plain Dealer, in collaboration with the generous residents of the community, recently spearheaded a highly successful donation drive to support students in need at Crestwood, part of the Howard-Winneshiek School District. The Cadet Care Closet initiative, which ran throughout the summer, aimed to gather essential items for students facing challenges with an open drop box location at the TPD office.
The response for the drive from the community was nothing short of remarkable. By rallying together and demonstrating their collective generosity, the residents of Howard County have exemplified the power of community spirit and unity in uplifting and assisting those facing difficulties. The success of the donation drive underscores the caring nature of the community and its ongoing efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
The outpouring of support from Howard County residents resulted in boxes of donations that will undeniably make a difference in the lives of students at Crestwood. The generosity of the community was on full display as over 100 bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap, alongside about 75 deodorants, 84 toothbrushes, and 62 other oral hygiene products including toothpaste and mouthwash were contributed.
Additionally, crucial personal hygiene items like 15 packs of pads, 12 packs of tampons, a medium-sized box of school supplies, and a small box containing essential items such as moisturizer, makeup, and combs were collected during the drive. These much-needed supplies will help ensure that students have access to basic necessities as they focus on their education.
The donations also included a significant amount of food items, with the community generously providing 300 individually wrapped granola bars, 68 individual packs of cookies, 4 dozen packs of crackers, 24 bags of nuts and trail mix, 24 individually wrapped rice krispie treats, and about 20 other food items to supplement the students' nutritional needs.
The Cadet Care Closet, a vital resource provided by the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District and overseen by Denise Headington, the Student & Family Case Manager at Crestwood, had faced a shortage of supplies at the end of the school year. Recognizing this need, the community rallied together to ensure that the shelves were restocked for the benefit of the students.
Students at Crestwood often utilize the Cadet Care Closet, stopping by between
classes to grab a quick snack or to access essential hygiene products. Under Headington's guidance, the closet serves as a crucial resource for students experiencing hygiene poverty - the inability to afford basic personal care items like soap, deodorant, and period products. The items available at the closet, located on the shelves in Denise Headington's office, help bridge the gap for students facing these challenges.
The Cadet Care Closet plays a vital role in supporting Crestwood students, providing a discreet way for students to access the items they need for daily personal care. If a student in the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District is in need of essential items, they can reach out to Headington or the main office for their school level to access the Cadet Care Closet. The process is confidential and ensures that students can receive the necessary items discreetly and with dignity.
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this initiative and played a crucial role in supporting the Crestwood students with this worthy cause, know you helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students. Your kindness and generosity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the recipients and their families.
The donations also included a significant amount of food items, with the community generously providing 300 individually wrapped granola bars, 68 individual packs of cookies, 4 dozen packs of crackers, 24 bags of nuts and trail mix, 24 individually wrapped rice krispie treats, and about 20 other food items to supplement the students' nutritional needs. There was also a generous $100 cash donation which that be used to fill in needs as they arise.
The Cadet Care Closet, a vital resource provided by the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District and overseen by Denise Headington, the Student & Family Case Manager at Crestwood, had faced a shortage of supplies at the end of the school year. Recognizing this need, the community rallied together to ensure that the shelves were restocked for the benefit of the students.
Students at Crestwood often utilize the Cadet Care Closet, stopping by between classes to grab a quick snack or to access essential hygiene products. Under Headington's guidance, the closet serves as a crucial resource for students experiencing hygiene poverty - the inability to afford basic personal care items like soap, deodorant, and period products. The items available at the closet, located on the shelves in Denise Headington's office, help bridge the gap for students facing these challenges.
The Cadet Care Closet plays a vital role in supporting Crestwood students, providing a discreet way for students to access the items they need for daily personal care. If a student in the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District is in need of essential items, they can reach out to Headington or the main office for their school level to access the Cadet Care Closet. The process is confidential and ensures that students can receive the necessary items discreetly and with dignity.
A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this initiative and played a crucial role in supporting the Crestwood students with this worthy cause, know you helped make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students. Your kindness and generosity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the recipients and their families.
