By Brandi McGrath Kong, Director of Communications & Conferences


Children shouldn't have to worry about their basic needs while trying to focus on their education. That's why the Lawrence Sertoma Club has teamed up with the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s Closet to make a crucial donation for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation’s Closet offers essential school supplies, hygiene items, and clothing at no cost to students in the Lawrence Unified School District 497 in Lawrence, Kan. When the Lawrence Sertoma Club learned that undergarments were a major need for the program this year, they were eager to step in and provide their support.

Club President Mary Jane Lauer shared that the club purchased over 500 pairs of underwear in July so that they could be distributed to any student in the school district. This generous donation is expected to have a significant impact on the benefiting students.

“We were told it is amazing to see how a clean, new pair of underwear can change a child’s outlook, self-confidence, and ability to focus in school,” Lauer said.

The club’s donation highlights the powerful effect that community support can have on educational success and student well-being, setting a positive example for future initiatives. It’s about more than just providing items; it’s about giving students the confidence and security they need to succeed.

The Lawrence Sertoma Club has served the Lawrence, Kan., community since its founding in 1929. The club helps support Schiefelbusch Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic’sCommunication Camp, educational scholarships, Heartland Community Health Center, and other hearing health and philanthropic causes. They are well known in their community for their flagship Lawrence Lights event each holiday season. To learn more, visit lawrencesertoma.org.