Date: 08/26/2025

Contact: Federation Care Closet; 985-888-1750; fedcarecloset@gmail.com

St. Tammany Federation Opens Care Closet to Support Educators and School Employees

The St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees announces the soft opening of the Federation Care Closet, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiative designed to provide free food, clothing, hygiene items, and household essentials to current and retired teachers and school employees.

The Care Closet will officially open on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 19295 N. 3rd St., Suite 7, Covington, LA 70433. The Federation Care Closet was inspired by a real situation involving two dedicated school system employees — a husband and wife — who found themselves in financial distress due to a sudden tax issue. When they came to the Federation office asking where to find a food bank, it became clear that a compassionate, dedicated support system for school employees was urgently needed.

In response, the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees began funding and supporting what has become the Federation Care Closet, a philanthropic initiative to help current and retired school system employees facing hardship. The program ensures that those who serve or have served our students can access the essentials they need, free of charge, in a supportive and dignified environment.

“The teachers and all school employees who serve or have served our students deserve to have access to basic necessities, especially when they are going through a rough patch,” said Stephanie Underwood, President of the Federation Care Closet and Executive Vice President of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees. “This initiative is about solidarity, compassion, and making sure no educator or staff member goes without.”

Who Can Participate?

All current and retired St. Tammany Parish School Board employees are welcome to visit the Care Closet and receive support.  Additionally, all items are donated and provided at no cost to participants.

How the Community Can Help

The Care Closet is stocked through the generosity of the community. Donations of nonperishable food, clothing, hygiene items, and household goods are welcome. Because of limited operating hours, donations should be dropped off at the St. Tammany Federation office, located next door to the Care Closet.  The Federation asks anyone willing to donate call 985-888-1750 prior to coming.

The St. Tammany Federation of Teachers and School Employees believes that those who dedicate their lives to students deserve dignity, support, and community care. The Federation Care Closet is one way we put these values into action.

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