CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Chris Long Foundation and Charlottesville City Schools have launched the latest component of the foundation's new EdZone program.

This program involves the distribution of essential needs items at all six CCS elementary schools during the 2022-2023 school year. 

Each elementary school will identify a dedicated space where students can access basic supplies that many other students take for granted.

"Well, it gives more of a level playing field," said Chris Long, founder of the Chris Long Foundation. "I mean, that's what we're all about is leveling the playing field, giving kids an opportunity in low-income families for upward mobility and for kids to dream bigger than they thought they could dream."

Essential needs items include things like soap, shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste, menstrual hygiene products, deodorant, clean socks and underwear, and seasonal items like umbrellas, hats, and gloves.

Long says evidence has shown that students who don't have easy access to such supplies can suffer from stress or low self-esteem.

The goal of this project is to support student success by ensuring kids arrive at school comfortable, confident and ready to learn.

"I often use the analogy that when I played football, if I did not have the equipment I needed, I could not be my best," said Long. "And as a kid who had everything growing up, I was still terrified of school. And there are some kids in Charlottesville City School system that don't have all that stuff when they come to work every day or come to school every day. Take the field so to speak, so we want to provide those things."

A generous group of local individual donors, foundations, and businesses stepped up to fully fund the launch of EdZone.

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