LA PLATA, Md. — Maryland Diaper Bank and Phoenix International School of the Arts have officially debuted “The Hub,” a student-led hygiene support program designed to provide discreet, stigma-free access to essential personal care items for students — both in the classroom and at home.
The program was unveiled following the installation of a central supply cabinet at the La Plata charter school, marking the culmination of months of planning led by students and coordinated by Shelly Tucker, founder and executive director of the Maryland Diaper Bank .
The Hub was created by Kyndel T. (ninth grade), Hailey T. (eighth grade) and Gabrielle H. (11th grade), who began developing the initiative over the summer. The trio built the program from the ground up — creating inventory lists, sorting and packing supplies, designing the logo and branding, and helping shape how the program would operate inside the school.
Their goal was simple: no student should feel distracted, embarrassed or left out because they lack basic hygiene essentials.
“The Hub is about dignity,” Tucker said. “When students feel confident and cared for, they are better able to focus, participate, and thrive. This program shows what’s possible when young people are trusted to lead.”
Built Around Student Comfort
Tucker said initial plans considered placing supplies in a nurse’s office or a single designated closet. After meeting with school leadership, it became clear students often feel more comfortable turning to trusted teachers.
As a result, every classroom now contains a hygiene box stocked with essentials including menstrual products, pre-pasted toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant for boys and girls, tissues and other personal care items.
The newly installed central cabinet serves as a restocking station for teachers and provides additional inventory for students who may need items to take home. The Hub operates two days per week during designated hours, with administrators available to assist students with urgent needs.
Designed To Adapt
The program is being piloted for the school year through grant funding secured by the Maryland Diaper Bank. Tucker said supplies will be monitored and adjusted based on actual student usage.
While deodorant and menstrual products are common needs, organizers will track whether items such as toothbrushes or small bottles of laundry detergent are in higher demand. The goal is to adapt to what students truly need rather than assume what is most important.
Charter schools often operate with limited funding for nonacademic supports, and hygiene insecurity can directly impact attendance, confidence and classroom participation.
Leadership Welcomes The Initiative
PISOTA Principal Jasmine Bateman, Ed.D., and Assistant Principal Bryan Hill, M.Ed., shared their excitement about bringing The Hub to campus, noting it reflects the school’s supportive and student-centered culture.
During the visit, Angelia Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Phoenix International School of the Arts, provided a tour of the campus and shared that continued growth is on the horizon for the arts-focused charter school, highlighting expanding opportunities and a continued commitment to supporting both academic success and student well-being.
Oversight of The Hub will transition to PISOTA’s Student Government Association, with the Maryland Diaper Bank continuing monthly support.
Connect With The Maryland Diaper Bank
Maryland Diaper Bank works with community partners across the state to distribute diapers and other essential hygiene items to families in need. Partner agencies not only provide diapers, but also distribute wipes, training pants, diaper rash cream and other baby necessities.
Families in need can connect with one of the diaper bank’s community partners, which not only distribute diapers but also provide wipes, training pants, diaper rash cream and other baby essentials.
These organizations ensure that donations collected by the Maryland Diaper Bank make it directly into the hands of families who need them most. A full list of partner sites and eligibility details is available at marylanddiaperbank.org.
To learn more, find volunteer opportunities or see how you can donate, visit marylanddiaperbank.org.
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