The Undie Chest Inc

Celebrating Extraordinary Educators: The Barbara J. Birks Above and Beyond Award for Teachers

The Above and Beyond award was created to honor Barbara J. Birks, mother of Founder Elaine Birks-Mitchell, who passed away on January 3, 2024, in Gilbert, AZ. "Dedicated teachers and school nurses have the power to shape the minds and hearts of our future leaders," said Elaine Birks-Mitchell. "With the Barbara J. Birks (BJB) Above and Beyond Award for Teachers, we aim to recognize those who consistently demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their students' growth and well-being. Their relentless efforts need to be celebrated and supported by the community."

Teaching and school administration are not just professions—they're vocations requiring passion, commitment, and creative approaches to inspire and engage students. The BJB Above and Beyond Award aims to shine a well-deserved spotlight on educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovative teaching techniques, and genuine care for their students.

The award recognizes school nurses and teachers across all grade levels who consistently go above and beyond their duties to unlock the potential of their students. The Above and Beyond Award honors school nurses and teachers' exceptional dedication, compassion, and expertise. This award acknowledges the invaluable contributions of our school nurses and teachers and expresses our gratitude for their tireless efforts in maintaining a safe and healthy environment within educational institutions.

The Undie Chest proudly sponsors the Barbara J. Birks Above and Beyond award as part of our ongoing dedication to supporting Title 1 schools through our Everyone Deserves Underwear (E.D.U.) Program.

The E.D.U. program aims to partner with school administrators and the school nurses' associations by providing the overlooked resources of underwear to boost self-esteem and confidence in students so they can focus on building their future, not their wardrobe.

Without the cooperation and dedication of our school nurses and teachers, the Undie Chest would fail to achieve our mission of fostering healthier communities through underwear donations.

Your tax-deductible donations will help us acknowledge and award deserving teachers and school nurses a monetary donation that they can use to expand student programs or services or to pamper themselves because they deserve it.

*If you live in AZ, the Undie Chest is a Qualified Charity Organization (22654). AZ allows you to apply dollar-for-dollar credit towards your state taxes when you donate to The Undie Chest up to $400 for single filers or $800 for married couples filing jointly.

*Note: Criteria for submitting a nomination is coming soon.

About Barbara Birks

Barbara Birks was born in 1930 to the parents of Robert L. Lewis (Shreveport, LA) and Alma Olivia Lewis (Greenville, MS) in Detroit, Michigan.

Education was a cornerstone of Barbara's life. She graduated from Cass High School and received her first Highland Park Junior College diploma in 1951. Barbara earned her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Eastern Michigan University in 1952. As an undergraduate, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. After graduation, she taught occupational therapy classes for the Sisters of St. Mary at Mount Rose Hospital and St. Mary’s Infirmary in St. Louis, Missouri.

While in Milwaukee, Barbara received a grant from The Rockefeller Foundation to pursue her Master of Science degree in Education specializing in Exceptional Education in 1968. She also became a Ford Fellow through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and attained a six-year certificate in Administration Leadership in 1974.

In addition to her church and community involvement, Barbara devoted much of her time and talents to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was an active member in the Milwaukee graduate chapter, Epsilon Kappa Omega, for many years until her move to Phoenix, AZ, in 2011. In 2021, Barbara was initiated as a Pearl Soror, solidifying the bond of sisterhood among her fellow members.

Now reunited with her soulmate, Carl Walter, and her parents, Robert and Alma, Barbara leaves a legacy of love and inspiration. She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Birks-Pace (Robert), Gail Birks-Williams (Oliver), Elaine Birks-Mitchell (Johnny), and son Stephen Ebert (Maria). One of Barbara's greatest gifts in life was her eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Back-to-school season is here, and this year we're supporting students in our Arizona communities to return to school with confidence. Our annual undie drive helps students in Title 1 schools show up to class with dignity and focus on what matters most.

For families experiencing financial hardship, even basics like underwear can be out of reach, impacting attendance, confidence, and long-term opportunity.

We are committed to providing new underwear to students aged 8–18, along with gently used items like bras and t-shirts for their caregivers.

This initiative goes beyond hygiene. It directly supports school attendance, helps prevent bullying, and eases the financial burden on families working to make ends meet.

Thanks to the ongoing support of our donors, we’re able to provide this essential assistance year after year. With your help, we hope to support even more families and invest in the future by removing barriers tied to poverty.

For just $15 (the cost of a few small everyday luxuries), you can give a child a complete set of underwear, enough for a clean pair every day of the school week.

If you believe in creating confident kids, supported parents, and stronger communities, your donation can help make that happen.

Thank you for your continued support.

– E x