Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter High School Robotics Club is collecting deodorant.  Kind of an odd request, but for a good cause!  They are donating the deodorant to the BackPacks for Friday (BFF) Program.

BackPacks For Friday (BFF) is a program designed to help families with a backpack full of food to supplement their pantries at home on the weekends.  This program is a partnership between the school district and Southeast Missouri Food Bank.  

"We are able to provide this service to our students because of many generous donors in our community," commented Amber Nea, Director of Special Services at Dexter Schools. 

Approximately 40 elementary students in the Dexter School District will be given a bag of non-perishable food each Friday afternoon for the family to eat over the weekend.  The food is distributed discreetly to each child before leaving the school building.  The BFF program begins in August and continues until the end of the school year.  

Families have many different reasons for needing the extra food.  The school district does not need to know the specific reason(s) why, only that it is needed.  

The Robotics club at Dexter High School adopted BFF as their service project last school year.  They use the schedule below to collect additional treats that are added to the BFF backpacks once a month just for fun.  

"We are honored this group of youngsters has chosen to adopt our program," continued Nea.   "Friday is a happy day for these children, and the added treats make it even more special."

You can help!  For the month of September send a stick of deodorant with your student.  There is a box outside of Mrs. Tiska Rodgers' classroom at the high school.  If your student is not at the high school, just drop off at the office and they will have a student deliver to the Robotics Club box.  All donations are welcome!

Sept.-Deodorant

Oct.-Halloween Sweet Treat-small treat bag of candy

Nov.-Shampoo/Soap

Dec.-gloves/hats/scarves

Jan.-Chap-stick

Feb.-Valentine Sweet Treat-candy or Little Debbie Cakes

March-Toothbrushes/Toothpaste

April-Deodorant

May-Sunscreen

If anyone would like to donate to this program please contact: Amy James, Director of Special Services at 573-614-1000 ext. 1604.