Vending

Oakland High School installs hygiene vending machine for students

Photo: Adobe Stock

September 10, 2025

An Oakland High School in Tennessee has partnered with a local non-profit to install a hygiene vending machine for students, according to a Rutherford Source report. The machine, a collaboration between the school, Archie's Promise and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, was officially launched on Sept. 8.

Archie's Promise, which has been funding these machines through grants, noted that some businesses and community groups have also purchased them directly. The organization's founder, Claressa Ham, said there are now 17 such units installed across Rutherford County Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County.

The items in the machines vary by school but typically include essentials like feminine hygiene products, deodorant, bar soap, laundry sheets and travel-sized shampoo/conditioner. Archie's Promise staff members replenish the machines weekly. The organization is currently seeking sponsors and donations to cover the cost of hygiene supplies for the school year.