Downingtown Students Raise $1,000 to Donate 200 Hygiene Kits to Neighbors in Need

High school students partner with Small Things to provide essential care items to those experiencing homelessness across Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (May 27, 2025)

With a heart for helping others and a drive to make a tangible difference, Downingtown STEM Academy student Ayaan Naik raised over $1,000 to assemble and distribute 200 hygiene kits for Philadelphians experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Motivated by the impact of Hurricane Helene on vulnerable communities in Florida, Ayaan was inspired to take action in his own city. He launched a hygiene initiative in partnership with Small Things Philadelphia and Convoy of Hope, rallying support from classmates and local businesses to make it happen.

Together with fellow students Kanakvi Pulekar, Hanaa Saleem, and Ashley Wang, Ayaan gathered supplies including soap, towels, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, and deodorant. The group started with grassroots fundraising efforts—creating flyers, placing donation boxes, and collecting nearly 100 hygiene items from their school community.

Determined to expand the initiative, Ayaan reached out to GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer, and secured a $1,000 donation for supplies. With support from Small Things and volunteer guidance from Director of Operations, Barb Delp, the team assembled 200 complete hygiene kits.

On Saturday, May 24, the students joined Small Things' weekly lunch distribution, handing out kits to neighbors in need. Remaining kits will be donated to the Brandywine Valley Active Aging Center to support local seniors.

“This experience showed us how small efforts can add up to a big impact,” said Ayaan. “Everyone deserves access to basic hygiene. We’re proud to support Small Things and contribute to their mission of caring for our neighbors.”

To learn more about how you can partner with Small Things or support projects like Ayaan’s, visit www.smallthingsphilly.org.