Operation Pretty Things has designed The Locker Box Initiative to partner with middle schools, providing self-care essentials, as well as awareness and resource information to young female students ages 11-14, who are experiencing personal, physical, and relational development.

The Heart Being the Initiative

Our mission is to love and empower victims of abuse and sexual assault. This initiative allows us to offer and extend tangible care to young female adolescents who are in a developmental stage of physical and emotional change.  Due to an increase in youth and teen violence, this project aligns our mission with the crucial need for more awareness, understanding, and support. In keeping with that purpose, we are providing high school students the opportunity to serve middle school students, which covers two critical components of OPT’s heart and goal for this project…to love and encourage the youth in our community, and to teach the importance of serving those in need through volunteer opportunities.

Adolescence is a unique stage of human development and an important time for laying the foundations for self care practices and healthy relationships. Adolescents experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth during this time of change.  This is a sensitive time for young females who are beginning their menstrual  cycle.  Recent studies have shown that by age 12, 62% of blacks females and 35% of white females have started menstruation. There is not a specific date and age for which this occurs.  Because of this, many prepubescent girls begin their cycle unprepared.

During this season of change, dating relationships begin to develop.  It has been noted that by the age of 15, approximately 27% of dating pre-teens and teenagers have experienced sexual violence.  That percentage increases significantly for emotional, and/or verbal violence, as well as cyber stalking and other forms of harassment.

Teens often believe behaviors, such as teasing and name-calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship. These behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Female students experience higher rates of physical and sexual dating violence than male students.  Sadly, many do not report unhealthy behaviors because they are afraid to tell their family and friends.

THe Solution

In the fall of 2023, Operation Pretty Things will partner with middle schools, providing them with boxes containing  essential hygiene and self care products for adolescent female students, ages 11-14.

In addition to hygiene and self care products, each box contains a “Red Flags Card.”  This small note card lists some of the “red flags” (signs of abuse) to help students identify unhealthy relationship behaviors.  These cards will provide information to help students find safe resources if they are experiencing any of abusive behaviors.

• The Locker Box

Female adolescent students will receive a small hygiene/care kit in a decorative canvas pouch, consisting of:

• Sanitary napkins and hygiene wipes

• Mini deororant

• Lip balm

• Hand lotion

• Pocket-sized notebook and glitter gel pen (various colors)

• Panties (varying sizes)

• A *Red Flags Card

The Red Flags Card is a small note card that lists eleven “red flags” (signs of abuse) to help students identify unhealthy relationship behaviors.  On the back of each card is a QR code providing them with resource information to find help and safety if they are experiencing any abusive behaviors.The Red Flags Card