The Clothes Closet at HHS boosts student confidence with new threads

By Brianna Todd

Everyone loves getting new clothes. There is something that is just exciting and happy about getting to try something on, fall in love with it and take it home. But sometimes this is easier said than done. Karen Litchfield has started a program at Huntsville High School – The Clothes Closet – that allows students to get clothing that they need, donate clothing that they don’t, and feel comfortable in what they are wearing.

Studies have shown the students who feel good about themselves also perform better academically. The Clothes Closet is aiming to have all students at HHS feeling good about the clothes they come to school in, and feel confident enough in themselves that they can really put their minds into their work. Vice Principal, Ian Patterson, shared that he has seen the positive impact that The Clothes Closet has already had on the students who have accessed it.

Some of the students who have been visiting The Clothes Closet say that it has really helped with their confidence. “I can walk around the school and not have to worry about the clothes I’m wearing, and I can focus on my school work and my friends,” said one student who didn’t wish to be named. All of the students who use the closet feel happier because of the opportunity and you can see the air of confidence that it has given them.

Students at HHS have the option of shopping at the closet at lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays at their free will, or they can be referred to the closet and have a private one-on-one shopping session at an agreed time. While the closet is there for those who need it, all are welcome and free to use the closet. On the first day the it was open, 49 students came in and the numbers have remained steady since then.

A big part of The Clothes Closet is donations and volunteers. The program received donations of both clothes and materials used for shelving or benches prior to opening. They accept donations of both gently used and brand new clothing, from casual to formal wear. Even winter apparel is available for this cold season.

The Clothes Closet also has an ongoing shopping list of things that students specifically need that they don’t have in stock. For more information, or to make donation, contact Karen Litchfield at 705-783-0686 or [email protected].

Brianna Todd

About Brianna Todd

Born and raised in Huntsville. Always playing the devil’s advocate. Restless and in desperate need of adventure. Constantly need tea or pizza. If you can’t find me I’m probably lost in Netflix… or actually lost. I love our small town and am dedicated to showing others just how great it is.

Brianna is a co-op student at Huntsville High School.

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