September 22, 2023
Rutherford County Schools
Rockvale High School is now the second school in Rutherford County to benefit from a free “hygiene vending machine” for student use.
Archie’s Promise, a local non-profit, has partnered with the school district’s Coordinated School Health program to offer the service. The intent is to provide the service at other schools in the future.
In addition to Rockvale, the agency provided a machine to LaVergne High School last school year. To access the machines, students use what is known as a “Hope Card,” which is similar to a debit card. The card is registered to selected staff and guidance counselors and automatically loaded with the appropriate number of transactions, allowing the card to be used anytime.
Each Hygiene Vending Machine is personalized according to the items the principal requested. Most vending machines have personal hygiene kits, feminine hygiene kits, snacks, Dreambly laundry sheets, and travel-size lotion and shampoo packs.
Schools are selected for the program based on principal request, and the machines are located in a discreet area of the administrative offices to ensure student privacy.
PHOTOS / JAMES EVANS
(1) Claressa Ham with Archie's Promise, cuts the ribbon on the free-access "Hygiene Vending Machine" now available to Rockvale High School students. A similar machine was provided to LaVergne High School last school year.
(2) The vending machine includes personal hygiene kits, feminine hygiene kits, snacks, Dreambly laundry sheets, and travel-size lotion and shampoo packs.