There is a Go-Fund-Me for the Hope Closet at North Lenoir High School. The Student Government Association (SGA) maintains a Hope Closet for the students at North Lenoir who have needs unmet at home.

“The Hope Closet has done a lot of different things over the years - mostly provide meals and hygiene kits for students in need,” said Kady Long, North Lenoir High School Social Studies Department Chair and SGA Advisor.

Donated items can include school supplies and other items students may need. The money raised has also been used to buy items directly to the students who need them.

“The Hope Closet at North Lenoir is something we use annually to directly assist students that may need school supplies, clothes, or nonperishable food items,” said Gracie Herring, North Lenoir SGA President.

The goal for the Go-Fund-Me is to raise $2,021 in celebration of this year’s graduating class.

“The Hope Closet is one of my favorite organizations North Lenoir participates in,” said Taylor Fussell, North Lenoir SGA Vice-President.

Long intends to make the Hope Closet fundraiser a yearly event to meet the continuing needs of North Lenoir students.

“During the pandemic, we have learned that the needs of our students are a lot more than just food and hygiene-related,” said Long.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a financial strain on many families in Lenoir County.

“The Hope Closet was almost emptied after this past year with COVID-19, so the senior class hopes to raise enough money to get the Hope Closet back on its feet and ready for next year,” said Herring.

The Go-Fund-Me link can be found on North Lenoir High School’s Facebook Page and at the bottom of this article.

“It’s such a great opportunity to help out students in need at the school that may be less fortunate than others,” said Fussell.

In addition to supplies and other necessities, the Hope Closet will be able to help out with food.

“The cafeteria won a grant that will help provide food to fill our closet as needed,” said Long.

The 2021 graduating class had unique trials due to the pandemic that left a lasting impression on the students.

“With graduation next week, we figured a good way to leave our legacy at North Lenoir was to help give back to the place that has helped us for the past four years,” said Herring.

As of the writing of this article, the Go-Fund-Me has raised $740 of the $2,021 goal.

“It’s awesome to see our community giving back to our local high school to help out students,” said Fussell.

The Hope Closet began after Hurricane Matthew as a way to get supplies to our students and their families who had been impacted by flooding and damage.

“What the Hope Closet really needs now is money,” said Long.