Between March 29 and April 9, a drive to collect toiletries for the troops overseas will be held in all language arts classes.

The drive is being sponsored by a branch of Focus Saint Louis, an organization that brings together the business leaders of Saint Louis to solve area problems.

The Youth Leadership Saint Louis program, an offshoot, consists of 10 Lafayette juniors each year.

“The kids decided to do a fundraiser. There are tons of fundraisers going on at Lafayette all the time, so they wanted to do one that hasn’t been done lately,” Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said.

To prepare for collection of supplies for the troops, the students involved did research to see which kind of items the soldiers would need. Most needed are personal care products including wet wipes, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, eye drops, shampoo, conditioner, chapstick and foot care.

“They need things that will keep their skin in shape in a desert environment,” Dieckhaus said.

However, Dieckhaus believes the life skills students learn are more important than collecting supplies.  

“This is more about them seeing how the pieces fall into place and getting practical experience. The kids needed to learn how to talk to a diverse group and bring together both school and community leaders,” he said

Next year, he said, the group will consist of only five students, so that all of them will be completely involved in the project, and never on the sidelines.

“Even if they only collect one toothbrush, they will have had communication and coordination experience, and that’s what really matters here,” Dieckhaus said.