Sebring students running 'store' to help out classmates
It’s not your average school store.
Many high schools operate a retail operation where students can buy some limited school supplies or spirit wear. They often do heavy business in the weeks leading up to rivalry games.
A store at Sebring McKinley Jr./Sr. High School, though, has a different kind of inventory – and operates as a helpful option for youngsters who might need a few items of clothing to stay warm.
Oh, and everything in The Clothes Closet is free to students.
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The Clothes Closet has doubled in size since the beginning of the school year, thanks to the support and donations of local families, businesses, Sebring Local Schools staff and the district’s Board of Education.
Run by the McKinley Junior High Student Senate, it offers free clothing, shoes, coats, hats, hygiene products and more to those in grades seven to 12.
More than 600 items have been distributed since the students opened The Clothes Closet in February 2023.
Students have access to shop the store once a week during enrichment class, or after school on Thursdays, and are able to pick out three free items each visit.
It might sound early, but the operation is already in prom mode. Dresses are available on loan, thanks to a donation collected from the local community by former student Haley Armour.
“I really enjoy helping to organize and run The Clothes Closet because it helps people and makes them happy,” Sebring eighth-grader Leah Kinser said.
The Junior High Student Senate has 11 seventh- and eighth-grade members, and is led by Lori DeHoff, an intervention specialist for Sebring Local Schools.
“It’s amazing to see how much this has grown in just six short months this school year,” says DeHoff. “We’re so thankful for all of our generous donors, and we truly couldn’t offer this without the help of our Student Senate. They organize items, fold clothes, track donations and the number of items distributed and offer support to anyone who walks through the door.”
The operation even looks like a regular retail store. The Clothes Closet received donations from DeHoff Electric to purchase a mannequin and clothing racks, and the high school carpentry class made wooden racks to support the growing number of items displayed.
“Over winter break, our Board of Education purchased brand new Columbia jackets, and other outerwear, which have been clearing out fast,” said DeHoff. “It’s wonderful to know our students have access to this kind of resource.”
To donate to The Clothes Closet, contact Sebring High School at 330-938-2963.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Sebring McKinley students offer free clothing in school's 'Closet'
