From Deodorant to Dignity: Meet the Sparkle Behind 39 Closets Changing Kids’ Lives in NJ

“No child should miss school because they can’t afford deodorant.”

This powerful truth sparked a movement—and behind that movement is Carol Feldman, the purple-powered heart of Shine and Inspire.

MEET CAROL FELDMAN: THE SPARKLE BEHIND THE SHINE

On The Jersey Buzz Podcast, we love spotlighting everyday heroes who turn compassion into action—and Carol Feldman is one unforgettable soul.

Whether she’s rocking fairy hair, teaching line dancing, hosting a fundraiser, or leading day trips through her group Cool Stuff with Carol, she radiates energy and purpose. But it’s her nonprofit, Shine and Inspire, that’s creating a ripple of dignity and hope for hundreds of local students across New Jersey.

THE CLOSET THAT’S CHANGING LIVES

DID YOU KNOW:  There are over 700 homeless or displaced children in Trenton and Hamilton alone,” Carol says. “No child should miss school because they don’t have a toothbrush or clean clothes.”   The heartwrenching stories of kids living ALONE (she talks about it in the podcast)

Carol’s journey began with a simple conversation—she learned that students in her community were skipping school because they couldn’t afford deodorant. That moment lit a spark.

In 2019, she launched the first Shine and Inspire Closet: a humble shelf filled with essential items like hygiene products, school supplies, and snacks. Today, there are 39 closets and counting in schools across Mercer County.

THESE CLOSETS PROVIDE: - Yes you can make a donation – visit her website for details or to open a closet at your local school!  

• Deodorant, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products
• School supplies, lunchboxes, and backpacks
• Nonperishable food for hungry students

IT GETS EVEN BETTER!  “Pay It Forward: A Ripple of Kindness”

What sets Shine and Inspire apart is its pay-it-forward philosophy. Each school that receives a closet must develop a plan to give back—spreading kindness throughout their community.

Some student-led initiatives include:

• Sending handmade cards to seniors in nursing homes
• Donating pet supplies to local animal shelters
• Hosting mini food or book drives
• Creating Little Free Libraries for their neighborhoods

“We’re not just giving—we’re inspiring others to give,” Carol explains. “We’re building positive ripple effects.”

A DAY THESE KIDS WON’T FORGET

Carol also organizes unforgettable experiences for local kids. Her annual events bring over 100 low-income or displaced children together for a day filled with joy, play, and purpose.

Events include:

• Winter Celebrations with crafts, cookie decorating, drone shows, and hot lunch
• Back-to-School Giveaways where kids receive coats, sneakers, and backpacks
• Appearances by Civil Air Patrol and flight simulators to inspire big dreams

“When you walk into that ballroom,” Carol says, “it’s just joy everywhere.”

IF YOU HAVE READ THIS FAR – THANK YOU!  IT TAKES A VILLAGE AND YOU CAN BE PART OF THIS TRIBE!  HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate Items:

·         NEW hygiene products, school supplies, and lunch boxes are always welcome

• Make a Financial Gift: Every dollar goes toward building dignity and keeping kids in school
• Host a Drop-Off Box: Partner with your business, school, or community group
• Invite Carol to Speak: Her energy and story inspire every room she enters
• Shop the Amazon Wishlist: Donate needed items in just a few clicks

📧 Contact Carol at: carol@shineandinspire.org
🌐 Visit: shineandinspire.org
📱 Follow Shine and Inspire on Facebook for updates and community call-to-action

APRIL’S FINAL BUZZ

Carol Feldman proves that you don’t need a cape to be a hero—sometimes, all it takes is deodorant, dignity, and a little sparkle.

She reminded me that paying it forward doesn’t just help others—it can heal our own hearts, too.  Her beautiful tagline is….

“Make a difference in someone’s life. Make a difference in yours.”  

Please Share this ‘Hyper Local” Vibe – it is the people like Carol who make the world a better place and you can make her world even better by reaching out to volunteer, make a donation and by sharing this story!  

Life is about buzzing from the🖤    We appreciate you!  The Jersey Buzz Team

This Episode is produced by Hyper Local Studio – Hosted on Hyper Local Channel – a Voice for Local!