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Abstract: I have created a Closet to provide students who are in need access to school supplies, clothing and hygiene products. The Caring Closet assists students who are trying their best to keep a strong focus on school even though times are tough at home. In a time of need, students are confidentially brought down to the Closet with a social worker where their individual needs are met. The Caring Closet is maintained by student volunteers and supported by donations, therefore teamwork and collaboration throughout the community and school is key.

Biography: I am a 17 year old student enrolled at University of Wisconsin Stevens Point for fall of 2010. I plan on studying Public Relations/Non-Profit Organization or Education/Administration. I have volunteered over 250 hours during my high school career, but initiating the Caring Closet has by far been the most enjoyable and rewarding task. I will continue to help with it as well as hope to start similar projects Green Bay and other cities. I have learned many life lessons while working with the great staff of East High School, student organizations, and Greater Green Bay Community. I hope other students my age could experience the excitement, motivating stories, and what making a difference really feels like.

Through my years attending Green Bay East High School (EHS) I have always worn my East apparel with great pride and enthusiasm. I also became aware that many students couldn’t afford to buy their own East t-shirts. I believe when a student feels connected and welcome at their school, they are more likely to come to school, get involved, and strive to do better academically.

I then realized supporting students with just a school t-shirt wasn’t going to be enough. My classmates were also in need of other necessary items. I was inspired with a dream, acted on it, and made it come true!

When I first explained my idea of the Closet to our Principal, he suggested an old storage room, for its location. He was very excited to get the project started.

I knew cleaning the Closet out myself was a little outrageous, but with the help of a school group (Red Alert), my parents, and the custodians, it was possible. With face masks on because of the heavy dust, we moved everything out of the room, cleaned and painted the walls, and built shelves. As I was anxiously waiting for the walls to be painted, and shelves to be finished, I began seeking donations. I wrote and hand delivered letters to local businesses and applyed for grants. Donations of clothes, school supplies, and hygiene products, started filling the shelves. I felt that if more people in the community knew about this project, that more individuals and businesses would get involved and donate. April 20th, 2010 I invited the public to come, along with local media stations, and the mayor. Even though I will be graduating from EHS in 25, days I have set up days with other schools in the district to come visit the Caring Closet at East. I hope within the next few years, each of the 38 schools in the district will have their own Closets. My dream of the Closet being refurnished, donations to fill the shelves, and the community becoming aware of the Caring Closet had been accomplished within two months.

By leading this service activity at EHS, I hoped to make clothing, school supplies, and personal hygiene items available to students in need. My plan included finding and cleaning out a storage area, seeking and organizing donations, applying for grants, and opening the closet to help the 56% of students at my school below the poverty level. On April 20th, 2010 all of my goals and dreams for the Caring Closet came true, every one of them. We had the Ribbon Cutting, and we officially opened the doors of the Caring Closet.

This experience of organizing the Caring Closet has been incredible. Every time I hear of the desperate situations of students living in poverty, I am motivated to do more and help my fellow students of East High School. I realized that I often take for granted all that I have and I have learned to appreciate how fortunate I am to have my basic needs provided. I also feel if I can help, there is no reason to wait. No dream is too big- my initial idea of wanting to help students who didn’t have a school t-shirt turned into a dream having the possibility of helping over 750 students. I know the need of necessary items like personal hygiene, clothing, and school supplies are not only needed by our school but by schools across my community and all over the world. I also learned that if the community, businesses, or teachers find a need or a worthy cause, they are enthused to help and donate both time and products. Overall, the most important thing I learned is set your goals high and whether you are recognized for your good deed or not, it is always appreciated, and the feeling inside you will last forever.
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