United Way of Eastern New Mexico (UWENM) is helping local students get essential items they might need at school besides pencils, paper, and books.
A so-called No Worries Wall is being installed at middle and high schools in the eastern part of the state, according to KRQE. The wall contains basic toiletry items like soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and feminine care products.
"Someone literally had a picture somewhere of this concept," Erinn Burch, executive director of UWENM, said.
Burch came up with the idea for the No Worries Wall after seeing that students needed supplies, KRQE reported. The first walls were built in August; currently, there are 24 walls across eastern New Mexico.
"It's been really good and really gratifying to hear that it's been useful, being used and appreciated," Burch said. "We've got them at Clovis schools, Portales schools, Dora, Floyd, Melrose, Fort Sumner, Logan, and San Holn."
Larger school districts feature multiple walls, according to KRQE. Refills are available when supplies at the walls are gone. Funding is provided through donations and partnerships. UWENM is searching for three more locations in which to install walls; the agency hopes to expand beyond that in the future.
"To get 24 walls installed in total so far, we've spent $13,000," Burch said. "It's a lot of stuff. It just shows kids that our community cares, right, and that has been an amazing thing."
