• Breaking down barriers to learning

Saint Louis Public Schools, The Little Bit Foundation, and Saint Louis Public Schools Foundation Team Up for Tornado Relief

Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS), The Little Bit Foundation (Little Bit), and SLPS Foundation have announced the opening of a temporary resource center for district families impacted by the May 16th tornado. The center will serve as a centralized hub for families to receive essential items and also work with case managers to address their current needs.

 

WHAT: Resource center operated by SLPS, The Little Bit Foundation, and SLPS Foundation

WHERE: Metro Academic and Classical High School, 4015 McPherson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108

WHEN: Opening June 2nd; operating hours: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

 

HOW TO SUPPORT:

  • ITEM DONATIONS: Can be dropped off at the center during open hours or at The Little Bit Foundation headquarters, 2446 Schuetz Rd., Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM or Fridays until 2:30 PM. See list of needed items.
  • Items can also be ordered through Little Bit’s Amazon Wish List.

(Donations can be delivered Saturday, May 31, at Metro High School from 10 AM -1 PM)

  • ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Organizations with additional services and/or resources to offer may contact The Little Bit Foundation at 314-669-0040 or email info@thelittlebitfoundation.org.
  • VOLUNTEER: Sign up through The Little Bit Foundation here, selecting Tornado Relief Efforts.

 

“We have 12 schools damaged and a significant number of families in the district who were directly impacted by the devastating tornado earlier this month. Many of them have been displaced from their homes and some will not be able to return,” says Dr. Millicent Borishade, Superintendent of SLPS. “SLPS has and always will work to be a cornerstone of the community – not only a place of learning but a beacon of support for families and neighborhoods we serve. We know our families are hurting right now, dealing with loss and uncertainty and needing long-term solutions. This will be a coordinated, in-depth effort to help them get back on their feet before the start of the next school year.”

Saint Louis Public Schools Foundation CEO, Haliday Douglas, says, “In addition to our focus on scholars, we also look to support SLPS educators who’ve experienced loss. Many of them were at the schools at the time the tornado hit, ensuring our students’ safety, communicating with families, and providing calmness during chaos.”

Dr. Borishade says that at the resource center families will be able to meet with SLPS and Little Bit case managers, who will complete needs assessments, procure and connect them with resources, and continue to follow up until the family is stabilized. They also will be able to access essentials from Little Bit, such as clothing, shoes, and toiletries, food items provided by Operation Food Search, and other resources. “We are so grateful to our longtime partner, The Little Bit Foundation, for helping to spearhead this initiative,” she says, adding that the Center will continue to bring on partner organizations and resources as needed for families and will remain open “until we know all families are in a stable place.”