Refresh NTX Brings Everyday Dignity to Local Students

A toothbrush, shampoo and a handwritten note can turn an ordinary bag into a reminder that a child’s community cares.

For families around the 380 corridor, that is the practical heart of Refresh NTX, which provides customized hygiene packs to students.

Elizabeth Watkins founded Refresh Frisco in May 2019 after seeing needs through PTA volunteering and work with a local food pantry.

The organization later expanded into Little Elm ISD in 2021 and Denton ISD in 2023, according to its published history.

Care that respects the child

Packs arrive quarterly and reflect students’ ages, preferences and hair-care needs.

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and body wash are among the basics; older students may receive deodorant, shaving supplies and menstrual products.

School counselors or parent liaisons distribute school-delivered packs discreetly, and each includes encouragement written by hand.

It is a community-service story built around everyday dignity: meeting a personal need with care for the person receiving help.

A November opportunity

Refresh lists November among its quarterly school-delivery months, making this a useful time for neighbors to explore helping.

Its volunteer program includes packing, campus deliveries and Spanish-language assistance.

Small warehouse groups generally include eight to ten people, with sessions typically scheduled for two hours; interested volunteers should arrange a time with the organization.

Businesses, churches and neighborhood groups can also organize product drives.

Refresh requests new, unopened, full-size products and publishes detailed collection guidelines, including restrictions on expired products and nut or nut-oil scents.

Three quick questions

How can I volunteer? Contact Refresh through its volunteer page to discuss current roles and scheduling.

Can my group help? Yes; product drives offer an option for groups that cannot fit in the warehouse.

Where should I begin? Review the official product guidelines or volunteer information before collecting supplies or planning a visit.

Explore and help: About Refresh · Volunteer · Product-drive guidelines · Make encouragement cards

Join the conversation

1. Which way of helping fits you best: volunteering, collecting supplies or writing encouragement cards?
2. How could your workplace, church or neighborhood support local students?
3. Which local organization should we introduce to readers next?

Share your thoughts in the comments, or email support@the380connector.com.