Students helping students at Beech Grove High school

BEECH GROVE, Ind. (WISH) – Students at Beech Grove High school are on a mission to help other students in need. 

Recently the school started “The Helping Hive,” a closet set up to help needy students.

The idea was thought of earlier in the semester by Mercedes Wilson, a senior at the school who knows personally what it is like to be in need.

“As a kid growing up, I was on free and reduced lunch. I went to IPS Schools and every Friday, we would get a snack pack lunch and occasionally, I would have to go to food pantries. Even today sometimes, I still have to go to food pantries,” said Wilson.

The school is currently trying to stock the closet with clothes and personal hygiene items. Next semester, they hope to be capable of giving those items to students who need them. Items needed most are deodorant, feminine products, men and women’s clothing and non-perishable snack items.

“I think it really speaks to this community and how much they care about each other and the students care about their peers,” said teacher Ashley Thompson.

School officials said about 65 percent of students in the school district are on free and reduced lunch. Most of the nonprofits that help needy students only serve ages one to 12,so there is a big gap when it comes to high school students.

“It feels great because even though I’m still in need of help sometimes, my family is, it feels good to be able to help because it’s just good,” Wilson added of the mission.

For the full list of items needed and how to donate, click here.