BARKER, N.Y. — There's a little something for everyone inside a classroom turned boutique at Pratt Elementary School in the Niagara County community of Barker.
School counselor Allison Finitz and school social worker Leah Riley started the Barker Care Closet one year ago. They keep the shelves and racks stocked. It's a place where students in all grades, their families, and members of the community can shop for free.
"I think it's really important because it gives kids that dignity and respect. Everyone is deserving of nice and clean and cute and trendy items in your style," Riley said. "It gives them that reassurance, that confidence, sometimes that they're looking for. They don't want to be picked on for their clothes."
The care closet is open every Tuesday after school during 10th period.
Finitz and Riley sort through clothing donations and make sure nothing has stains or holes. They also pick out what's trendy, in season, or in high demand. You can find anything from shoes to winter coats, bathing suits to accessories.
"Different times of the year we have different items like Halloween costumes. During prom, there are dresses available," principal Micaela Love said. "This is part of the culture here. Students aren't scared or nervous to be able to ask for something they need, and families feel comfortable reaching out to our team to see if there are any resources available to them."
There are even school supplies, infant clothing, and personal care items, which were donated by the United Way of Greater Niagara.
"I think it's so fulfilling for us to be able to provide these products to the kids because they are expensive. [It gives] them the sense of relief that they can come and get whatever they need. We also have some fun hair products and hair ties, hair clips and nail polish. Even some of the extra little things that brighten their day. It's fun to be able to provide that," Finitz said.
Educators say when students look good, they feel good, and when they feel good, they perform better in the classroom.
"This is a place where we meet the whole child, the needs of the whole child. Being able to welcome students into this building and have that sense of care is the most important step. If our students' basic needs aren't met, they're not able to learn and focus at their best," Love said.