SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — When hunger struck at Rolling Hills Elementary, students knew exactly where to turn: The Kindness Closet, an in-school food pantry created by Alabama resident Jessa Hicks to ensure children had consistent access to snacks and meals throughout the school day — and even something warm to take home at night.
Hicks, who founded The Kindness Closet in 2023, spent more than a decade volunteering through the Junior League of Huntsville before she realized the significant and often hidden need facing many elementary students. What began as coat drives and supply efforts quickly revealed deeper challenges.
“I realized they had more needs than just coats,” Hicks said. “A lot of kids came to school late and hungry. Older students often needed more than the lunch they were given. I just knew there was a need.”…