The Clinton School of Public Service will collect items of need for the Little Rock School District as part of Giving at Graduation for the Class of 2026.
This year’s collection will continue the Clinton School’s tradition of collecting donations for an Arkansas partner organization, which has been an important part of the graduation traditions since 2010. Previous recipients have included City Year Little Rock, the Arkansas Foodbank, The Van, Volunteers in Public Schools, Our House, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Mobile Dental Clinic, and Jericho Way Resource Center.
The Little Rock School District is the only urban school district in the state as well as the third largest in Arkansas, with more than 20,000 students in PreK-12th grade.
Reading in the Rock
Little Rock School District launched a new literacy initiative called Reading in the Rock last year in partnership with the City of Little Rock. The goal is to increase access to books for all LRSD students by providing books in high-priority schools and neighborhoods located in “book deserts” across Little Rock.
Little Rock School District is seeking donations of new and/or previously used books, especially children’s books.
Bright Futures Little Rock
More than 65% of families in the Little Rock School District are identified as economically disadvantaged. These students face unique challenges to academic success. Bright Futures Little Rock works within the Little Rock School District to connect student needs with existing community resources.
The Bright Futures model brings together businesses, human service agencies, faith-based organizations, and parent groups and partners them with schools in a way that helps them to quickly and efficiently meet students’ basic needs. This enables students and teachers to focus on education and achieving success.
Bright Futures Little Rock is seeking the following items for donation:
• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Backpacks (clear and mesh preferred)
• LRSD uniform pieces (solid-colored, polo-style shirts and khaki, black, or navy blue bottoms)
• Socks (new, in package)
• Children’s underwear (new, in package)
• Belts
• Jackets
How to Give
Donations will be accepted at Sturgis Hall from now until the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, which will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at One World Avenue, Little Rock.
Items may also be donated at the Clinton School’s Graduate Reception, which will take place on 5 p.m. Friday, May 1, at Sturgis Hall.