The Department of Radiology partnered this summer with LP PENCIL Box to host a school supply drive benefitting Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) teachers.
A local nonprofit organization, the PENCIL Box is a school supply store that provides teachers with new and gently used items for their students and classrooms at no cost. According to the PENCIL Box, nearly 75 percent of MNPS students come from economically disadvantaged households. Donations made by partner organizations and members of the community ensure students, regardless of their background, have the tools and resources they need for a successful school year.
During the department’s school supply drive, Radiology faculty, staff and trainees donated more than 220 items. Classroom essentials that were donated included paper, writing and coloring utensils, and folders. High-need items such as hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues and paper towels were also donated to promote a clean, healthy learning environment for teachers and their students.
“As health care providers, it’s important that we give back to the communities in which we serve,” said Alan North, M.D., second-year interventional radiology resident. “I’m glad we had the opportunity to work with LP PENCIL Box to donate much needed school supplies for MNPS teachers and students this fall.”
Donations are made yearround to LP PENCIL Box, and teachers are eligible to visit the store once every nine-week grading period to restock their classroom.
North coordinated this quarter’s community service project with support from colleagues in the community service interest group. The group is working to identify quarterly opportunities for Radiology faculty, staff and trainees to give back to the community. In the past, the department has participated in various service projects with organizations including Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and Hands on Nashville.
