JCC Criminal Justice Students Collecting Care Packages For Johnston County’s Homeless

SMITHFIELD – Students in Johnston Community College’s Criminal Justice Technology program are collecting everyday essentials to help homeless individuals in Johnston County, with donations being accepted through December 8.

The project is being organized by students in JCC’s Community Policing class in partnership with the Smithfield Police Department. Collected items will be assembled into care packages and donated to Street Reach of Johnston County for distribution to individuals experiencing homelessness.

The students are seeking donations of hygiene products and personal care items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand wipes, baby wipes, soap, body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, ChapStick, disposable razors, shaving cream, combs and brushes.

Other requested items include socks, scarves, toboggans, men’s and women’s undergarments, and feminine hygiene products such as pads, tampons and liners.

Donations may be dropped off at the Smithfield Police Department or in the front lobby of the Public Safety Building on Johnston Community College’s main campus. Two collection boxes have been placed in the JCC building.

The deadline to contribute is 8 a.m. Tuesday, December 8, at both locations.

Students Learning Through Community Service

The donation drive is one of several community service projects organized by students enrolled in JCC’s Community Policing course, an elective added to the college’s two-year Criminal Justice Technology program approximately 18 months ago.

The course is now being offered for the second time.

According to course instructor Kendra Howell, students learn how law enforcement agencies can work with community organizations and residents to identify problems and develop solutions.

At the beginning of the eight-week course, students are presented with opportunities to become involved in community service.

Smithfield Police Master Officer Shayna Cox, who serves as a community policing officer, visited the class and discussed opportunities for students to partner with the police department on community projects.

During those discussions, Cox introduced students to Street Reach of Johnston County, a nonprofit organization that assists people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

Students were unfamiliar with the organization before Cox explained its mission. One student was particularly moved by the organization’s work and proposed organizing a care package drive.

The students will collect the donated items, assemble the care packages and deliver them to Street Reach for distribution.

Other projects selected by the class include a domestic violence awareness event held October 29 at JCC, an arts and crafts activity planned for November 23 with nursing home residents, and a Polar Express experience for preschool students on the college campus December 8.

The course is designed to teach future criminal justice professionals the importance of community partnerships and public service.

Howell said students are given the opportunity to select, develop, plan and carry out projects with guidance from their instructor, gaining firsthand experience in community policing.

Street Reach provides essential resources and assistance to individuals facing homelessness throughout Johnston County.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the care package drive can drop off donations at JCC or the Smithfield Police Department before the December 8 deadline.

For additional information, contact JCC Criminal Justice instructor Kendra Howell at 919-464-2363 or kdhowell2@johnstoncc.edu.