Students at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School can shop for clothes and shoes during the school day and not have to pay for anything, thanks to the nonprofit organization called the Care Closet.
The school and Care Closet held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to officially announce the partnership. “This is awesome,’’ said Principal Scott Alter.
“It’s just another great piece of our student support system – wraparound kids who need it.”
Though the ribbon cutting ceremony was held Friday, the Care Closet has been at Glenn O. for several months.
While families can shop at the school for shoes and clothing, the Care Closet also helps families by providing beds, furniture, emergency food baskets and personal hygiene items, such as shampoo and soap. All items are donated.
Recently, the Care Closet distributed 400 coats, gloves, hats, boots and six twin beds to Glenn O. families.
“The students were so excited,’’ said Rachel Crawford, a reading interventionist at Glenn o. who was instrumental in bringing the Care Closet to the school. “One student told me he’s never had his own bed before.’’
Carol Weinel founder of the Care Closet, said her organization helps families throughout Northern Kentucky. It was her desire to help.
All donations are distributed to families in the area, she said. Some items are new, while others are gently used.
“It’s a great resource,” Mrs. Crawford said. “When we help students, we helped families. There is such a big need, and students are so excited when they come in and get to shop for their own clothes and shoes.”
