Former teacher Rhonda Stuever has created a program to care for all students

“The driving force behind my motivation to start this organization,” explains retired Dexter teacher Rhonda Stuever, “comes from my years of working with migrant children. In those families, I observed people who worked extremely hard, had little, yet made the most of what they did have.”

Stuever goes on to say, “Many families are in that situation today. Working hard, trying hard, but needing a little boost to help them get along. That is what our organization is designed to do — give a little boost.”

Communities Loving and Supporting Students (CLASS) is the brainchild of Stuever, who first learned of a similar organization from her daughter, an administrator in the Wentzville School District.

“After Jeri told me about Eagle’s Wings, I knew there was a similar need in our area schools,” Stuever reveals.

“I visited the school and talked with the ladies who were running it,” explains Stuever. “They were supplying complete outfits of clothing, including underwear, shoes, socks and pajamas to children in need.”

Stuever says the volunteers told her that Eagle’s Wings evolved from a Christmas service project.

“A group of church women approached the school about adopting families for Christmas,” Stuever recounts.

“When they saw the items the children were requesting as gifts, they realized there was a need larger than they had imagined,” Stuever adds. “A need that was present throughout the year — not just at Christmas.”

Stuever says very few children in that first group requested toys. They asked for items that most consider basic wardrobe essentials — socks, shoes and underwear.

After several trips to the city and much conversation with Eagle’s Wings members, Stuever felt fortified to present her idea of starting a similar group in Southeast Missouri. She chose a few close friends as her springboard.

“Carolyn Corlew and I had been friends for a long time,” says Stuever, “and I knew she had connections in the Richland school district. I also knew with her background in office management and bookkeeping, she would be an excellent choice to serve as the financial officer.”

Stuever says that one night she and her husband Joe were visiting with Corlew and her husband Randy. Stuever told them about Eagle’s Wings, and about her desire to start a similar program in area schools.

“Carolyn immediately began thinking of people in the Richland district who would get behind such a project,” Stuever recalls fondly. “We began making a list of potential donors. Then we put together a short letter describing the non-profit organization, clarifying what we hoped to accomplish for the students, and asking for a donation.”

Stuever says the initial response was overwhelming.

“We raised $3,600 from those letters,” recalls Stuever, “and once people heard about us, we began receiving additional donations.”

That first effort was in the summer of 2018, according to Stuever, which put money in place to shop when school started in August.

“Mr. Killian, the Richland superintendent, was 100% behind our organization,” recalls Stuever. “He gave us access to the school personnel who could coordinate our effort, and offered his assistance in whatever way he could help.”

Stuever stresses that both the students’ identities and the clothes delivery are highly confidential.

“We never know the names of the students we assist,” explains Stuever, “and the students receive their new outfits in a private room, away from student traffic areas.”

In recounting how the program works, Stuever reiterates that student privacy is maintained on all levels, and that parents must give permission for their child to receive the clothing gifts.

“The process begins with teacher referral to our school contact person,” Stuever explains. Then parents are notified in writing, asking their permission for their child to participate.

“When permission has been obtained, then the students meet confidentially with our contact person who asks their size, favorite colors, etc. We get a list with only a number to identify the students, and then we go shopping!”

Stuever says that in their first outing last fall, she and Corlew purchased three complete outfits for each student. In addition, they also bought socks, underwear, name-brand shoes, pajamas and a heavy, hooded coat.

“When the items were delivered to school,” Stuever reveals, “I had wrapped the items individually, and placed them in a large gift bag. I hoped it would be an exciting surprise for the students.”

Stuever explains that the students are summoned to the contact’s room, where they are shown to a private room to open their packages and try on the clothes. If they choose, the students may leave the packages there, and retrieve them after school.

“One of our main goals in establishing CLASS,” Stuever states, “is to get all students on the same level with clothing, so that they can concentrate on their education, and not be concerned with their appearance.”

Stuever says that in the upcoming school year, they plan to continue at Richland, and hopefully, add another school district.

“We would like to eventually expand to most of the districts in the county;” Stuever explains, “however, that is going to take quite a bit of growth. We hope to enlarge our volunteer base so that the workload can be distributed among several, rather than few.”

She goes on to say, “We need people for PR; we need people who are good at fundraising; we need ‘techy’ people to help with technology aspects; and we need people who are willing to volunteer their time to be our district resource people — those who will compile lists of potential donors, mail letters and be our liaison with the district administration.”

Stuever says that CLASS is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit entity, and that they are working to establish a board of directors, as well as a list of goals/objectives.

For the time being, though, Stuever and her other volunteers, Toni Pyle and Pam Stuever, are regrouping after the sudden passing of Carolyn Corlew.

“It has been a very emotional loss for us,” observes Stuever, “but Carolyn’s giving spirit will continue to inspire us to keep moving forward.”

Those who wish to support Communities Loving and Supporting Students, may mail checks to: CLASS, c/o Toni Pyle, 807 Bent Creek Estates, Dexter, MO 63841.