IHS Community Closet
Serving Ithaca High School Students since 2019
NEW! Wish List
Want your donation to make an immediate difference in the lives of IHS students? Please see the most requested items on the Community Closet wish list.
The Mission
The Community Closet at Ithaca High School is the school's best kept secret. It is a free and confidential resource for students. We provide a convenient place for young adults in our school community to shop for clothes, shoes, and toiletries. Balancing academics, sports, employment, and life is easier when basic needs are met.
Shop
We are open to any student to shop or browse for clothes, shoes, and toiletries. NEW for the 2023-24 school year, we are open every day during Universal Lunch. This shift has increased the number of student visits, from 656 in the 2022-23 school year, to over 1171 as of mid-March, 2024.
Want to shop the Closet?
Stop by during Universal Lunch
Contact Rachel McDonald, Teacher Librarian
Come down with a pass from a teacher (subject to staff availability)
Visits are always confidential and free.
Give
We ask that clothing be new or gently used as well as freshly washed. We only accept NEW socks and undergarments.
Makeup or other personal care items (skincare, toiletries, hair care products) are accepted, but must be new and unused. We accept new and gently used clothing in excellent condition. Donating clean sneakers in excellent condition allows students to participate in gym.
Excellent condition is:
Freshly washed, clean, no pet hair
Free of rips, stains, or tears
"Giftable" condition, an item you would be happy to receive from a friend
Questions or special circumstances? Please email Rachel McDonald to make arrangements.
Community Partners
A huge thank you to the SUNY Cortland chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha. The sorority held two wildly successful clothing drives for the IHS Community Closet during the 2023-24 school year, providing Ithaca High School students with a fresh influx of casual, age-appropriate clothing.
Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority of SUNY Cortland
Curbside at 400 Lake Street
Reusable Bags
Can be dropped off anytime in the Ithaca High School Library return bin on the 400 Lake St. side of the IHS Campus. Please use the library return bin for library books and reusable bags ONLY.
Current Needs
See the wish list at right
Hoodies & sweatshirts, all sizes and genders
Belts
Warm hats and gloves
Winter coats
Men's sizes M, XL, 2XL
Women's sizes L, XL
NEW socks
NEW underwear
Excellent condition clothing (freshly washed)
Men's sweatpants
Hoodies and sweatshirts
T-shirts (esp. Men's XS, XL, 2XL, 3XL)
Sneakers, all sizes, gently used and clean. Especially:
Men's sizes 10-13
Women's sizes 7-9
Thank You
To the students, staff, and faculty who make up the community of Ithaca High School. The IHS Community Closet launched in early 2019, and is only possible through generous support from the school and the wider community of Ithaca and Tompkins County. Special thanks to Student Council, Mr. Pemberton's class, the IHS Library staff, and several local businesses and organizations:
Mary Durham Boutique, Women's Opportunity Center for clothing donations
SUNY Cortland Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha for clothing donations
Catholic Charities, for prom dresses/formal wear
Love Living at Home
Trader K's Ithaca for clothing racks, hangers, and clothing
Home Green Home Ithaca for clothing racks
Plato's Closet Ithaca for hangers
The IHS School Store & the PTA
United Way of Ithaca for socks
Walmart for a Community Grant (spent on socks, underwear, toiletries)
Wegmans of Ithaca for providing new toiletries
The Shops at Ithaca Mall for donating clothing racks and hangers
Students Helping Students
Individuals and clubs are welcome to assist with the IHS Community Closet. Sorting, folding, and organizing help is always appreciated. Clubs can organize donation drives or volunteer as a group. Some suggested drives:
Toiletries/personal hygiene collection
New underwear and sock collection
Hat and mitten tree
Jacket and coat drive
Students or student groups interested in getting involved should contact Rachel McDonald.