MANSFIELD — They call them “kids hidden in plain sight.”
Sluss Realty’s annual Sluss Stuff the Bus for the Mansfield City School District, doesn’t just collect crayons and bookbags.
Because it specifically supports the district’s SAFE program, aiding hundreds of homeless students and those without adequate housing, it also collects hygiene products, toys and even items like diapers and winter coats.
This year’s event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15 at Sluss Realty. A large Mansfield City Schools bus will be parked at their 1641 Park Avenue West, Mansfield office that day, with a team available to help anyone who needs assistance unload their cars.
Sluss is also happy to also collect any items at their office, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, between now and the day of the event.
Marketing Director, Jami Kinton-Sluss, said, “This event is a really special one for us. My dad, John Kinton, attended Mansfield Schools himself and then went on to work in the district as a teacher, then a principal and then in the front office. I know how great the need is and we are very happy to help.”
Mary Stentz and Phil Mitchell, who work for the SAFE program, said the Sluss drive is always the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year for the program, which aids those students in dire need all throughout the year.
Out of all the schools in Richland County, Mansfield is the only that has a designated SAFE program with full-time staff because the need is so great.
Mitchell said last year, 283 students across all grade levels were assisted, as well as many of their family members.
“If they’re staying with your grandparents, they’re not considered homeless, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need help,” he said, noting that he goes over red flags to look for with every department in the district, so that they can refer students to the program.
“Sometimes kids become homeless midway through the year and are staying with grandma and grandpa.”
Stentz said, “Our biggest needs currently are feminine hygiene items, dish soap, hand soap, disinfectant wipes, towels, and laundry baskets. Socks, underwear (in all sizes), small toys, and small stuffed animals are also always needed, and of course, school supplies.”
The SAFE program also utilizes Kathy Goodwin, who assists with emergency situations, working closely with Wayfinders to help with housing when needed.
If you know of a Mansfield City School student in need, please contact the student’s school secretary.
All items must be new.
Donors can also make a Venmo donation to @Sluss-Realty
Items neeeded
SKIN + BODYCARE:
• Shower Gel / Bar Soap
• Shampoo / Conditioner / Hair Brushes / Combs
• Body Lotion
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste / Toothbrushes / Chapstick
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HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES:
• Tissues / Toilet Paper
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Laundry Detergent / Dish Soap
• Laundry Baskets
• Paper Plates, Napkins, Plastic Cutlery, Plastic Cups
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ESSENTIALS:
• Blankets / Pillow Cases
• Hats / Gloves (all sizes)
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Socks / Underwear (all sizes)
• Maxi Pads / Tampons
• Diapers / Pull-Ups (all sizes)
• Baby Wipes
• Zip Lock Bags
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HEALTH + SAFETY:
• First Aid Kit
• Hand Soap
• Hand Sanitizer / Disinfecting Wipes
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MISCELLANEOUS:
• Coloring Books / Crayons / Markers
• Small Stuffed Animals / Dolls
• Small Toys / Small Games