Students at Central Middle School now have greater access to essential hygiene items thanks to a new partnership between the Chris Long Foundation and The Little Bit Foundation. The organizations celebrated the launch of EdZone Lockers on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Central Middle School.
The event marked the first phase of a four-school pilot initiative bringing EdZone Lockers—secure, student-accessible units stocked with shampoo, soap, conditioner, lotion, and other basic necessities—to high-need school communities. The Chris Long Foundation is sponsoring the lockers and funding the ongoing supply of items, while The Little Bit Foundation will integrate the lockers into its established Whole Child Model of wraparound support.
On Thursday, December 4, guests gathered for a morning ceremony featuring remarks from leaders of both foundations. Following the ribbon cutting, Executive Director of the Chris Long Foundation Nancy Hopkins and Little Bit Foundation President and CEO Miranda Walker Jones spoke with attendees about the importance of ensuring students can come to school feeling confident and cared for.
RGSD Board of Education President Monica Williams and Superintendent Tanya Patton, Ed.D., also addressed attendees regarding the amazing opportunity and resources for Central Middle School scholars.
EdZone, launched by the Chris Long Foundation in 2022, partners with schools and community organizations in cities including Charlottesville, Philadelphia, and now St. Louis. The initiative engages athletes, service providers, and supporters to help ensure educational equity for students who may otherwise struggle to access essential items.
The Little Bit Foundation, which currently supports more than 17,500 students across 60+ school communities, identified both Central Middle School and Jennings Junior High as pilot locations based on demonstrated need. Two additional St. Louis middle schools will receive EdZone Lockers in the coming months.
Both organizations say they plan to expand the initiative as part of their shared mission to bolster student well-being and academic success.