The Closet of Care is a new program here at AHS, introduced in the 2024-2025 school year. This program was started in August by senior Allie Stockton, with one mission in mind. Stockton said, “The Closet of Care here at AHS is a place for all students to shop for outfits they may need all for completely free. We have clothes for both women and men, and are open to everyone, middle through high school.” The program can be utilized by everyone, all you need to do is sign up and you can visit at any time with the help of Mrs. Dexter, Allie Stocton, or any other office staff member. The program also is completely confidential, the only people who will know if you visit the Closet of Care are the operators, so there’s no need to turn down this opportunity should you want to shop. The main goal of this program is as Stockton said, “I want all students to have the same opportunity, I believe that we feel our best when we look our best and I want everyone to be able to experience this. That’s why I started this program for those who may need a little help in that way to feel their best.”
The closet of care has a wide assortment of clothing for anyone. From shoes to pants and shirts to skirts, there’s something for everyone. The program receives all of their clothing by donations, and anything you may have to donate will be greatly appreciated. Stockton said, “If you’re looking to donate it would be a great help. We can take pretty much anything you have, all you have to do is bring your items to the front office.” Some specific things that Stockton is in need of as of right now is any sort of men’s clothing you may have to donate, as well as women’s size large clothing.
Mrs. Dexter, one of our school counselors, has been the one to help Stockton get her vision rolling here at AHS. Dexter said, “My goal with helping Allie with this program is to help everyone here at AHS feel good about themselves, because I also believe that when you feel good about your outward appearance, you feel better about your inward appearance.” Dexter recalls how glad she was that Stockton approached her with this idea. Dexter said, “I was really glad that Allie had brought this to me so that we can provide for people who may not be able to afford some clothing. It’s been great how our community has come together and donated for this cause and being able to see the smiling faces of a few students who have already come in this week and got clothes.”
Stockton is a senior this year, so the topic came of what will happen to the program after Allie graduates came up. As of right now, Mrs. Dexter plans on keeping up her part with the program for the years to come, but Stockton wants to pass her part in the program on to another senior next school year. Dexter said, “Allie and I have talked about all the different options for what we will do with the program once she graduates, and as of right now we plan on passing it on.” So even after Allie graduates, the program will continue and allow students in need to shop.
Aside from donating, how else can you get involved in this cause? Well the answer to that is the fundraiser that Stockton plans to hold in February in order to raise money to keep the program going for next year. Around Valentine’s day, Stockton wants to hold a beauty pageant fundraiser for the upcoming year. More information will come out for this soon if you are interested in being a part of this fundraiser.
Don’t forget, the Closet of Care is a resource and opportunity for everyone here at AHS, regardless of grade, gender, etc.. Everything is completely confidential, and all you have to do is sign up and head to the office to talk to Mrs. Dexter. Any donations that you may want to provide should also be taken to the office and will be taken to the Closet of Care by Mrs. Dexter. We’re grateful for Mrs. Dexter and Allie Stockton for bringing this mission to AHS with only the goal in mind to help the students of AHS.
