IN THE WORKS: THE CRANBERRY CLOSET

IN THE WORKS: THE CRANBERRY CLOSET

“It’s truly for the kids,” said Mrs. Corbett, one of Cranberry High School’s guidance counselors, when asked about the newest addition to the school: the Cranberry Closet.

The Cranberry Closet is stocked with jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, backpacks, coats, and hygiene products, to name a few, that will be available for all students at Cranberry throughout the school year.  Students needing shoes can speak with Mrs. Corbett so that the correct size can be purchased.

The closet is located in the conference room in the Student Service Center where the school's CARE team, comprised of Mrs. Corbett, Mr. Earp, Mrs. Hale, and Mr. Godinich, makes sure the items are stocked and monitored. The CARE team funds actually come from teacher donations each Friday when they pay to wear jeans.

Guidelines are currently being established, but we were assured that it would be open soon for students.

The idea for the closet came about last year when Mrs. Corbett noticed a need for students at CHS who lacked these essential items, so she decided to do something about it.

The goal of this project is to allow students to be able to anonymously take what they need that may not be available to them at home.

To begin this initiative, Mrs. Corbett sent out letters to seven local nonprofit organizations and received donations to support the cause. 

The closet itself was funded by the Fryburg Sportsman’s Club, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 283, and the Grace United Methodist Church. Komatsu donated a multitude of personal care items. Many of the high school’s faculty members donated to the cause as well. Additionally, the Lions Club offered a donation for future needs. 

In addition to the CARE team funding what it can to buy necessities, the supplies in the Cranberry Closet will be supplemented with monetary contributions from generous donors. This will allow those who operate the closet to buy for specific student needs as they change throughout the year. 

If you would like to donate to this initiative, please contact the high school and speak with Mrs. Corbett in the Student Service Center. The number is 814-676-8504 ext. 2523.