KANE COUNTY, IL — The Kane County Regional Office of Education has been busy creating and distributing personal hygiene kits to students in need throughout the county.

The youth outreach staff creates the kits and then distributes the kits throughout the year as needed. About 50 bags will be handed out this school year, according to Kane County ROE officials.

The Regional Office of Education purchases the items for the kits, which include shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, wet wipes, laundry detergent, toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss.

“We seek to support students with their immediate needs and then find community resources to support them if necessary," said Pat Dal Santo, ROE Regional Superintendent. "The Youth Outreach staff consistently discusses barriers to successful school attendance and determines how we might help to meet those needs.”

The ROE's Equal Chance Program is meant to assist Kane County school districts by providing outreach and materials to schools and places that have a frequent influx of unaccompanied youth and homeless families.

“Students have a right to be successful in school. This starts with the basic need of having the right supplies to be prepared for class every day, including personal hygiene items," said Jimmy Pawola, who works with the ROE Equal Chance Program.

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