Students can experience a need for everyday items due to many possible situations, from something as serious as sudden homelessness, to something as minor as “I just spilled chocolate milk on my pants and need something clean to wear right now!”
To address either of these scenarios, and everything in between, the Tyrone Area Middle and High School opened a new resource for its students this year: The Eagle’s Closet.
The Eagle’s Closet is where students can get almost anything they need, at no charge.
We help so many students regardless of their need. Anything received from the Eagles Closet, regardless of what it is, will never be shared with anyone except the recipient
— Middle School Guidance Councilor Matt Kimberling
The idea came from Tyrone High School Counselor April Campbell, who has seen the concept succeed at other schools.
With the help of district Social Worker Shannon Flanagan and Middle School Counselor Matt Kimberlin, they were able to open this resource for students this spring.
“All a student needs to do to access the Eagles Closet is to connect with their school counselor, from there we will make arrangements,” Kimberlin said. “Teachers and staff members can also reach out to counselors on behalf of those who might benefit from the Eagles Closet.”
Kimberlin said that he knows that asking for help can be hard, but he encourages students to do so and stresses that their needs will always be kept confidential.
“We help so many students regardless of their need. Anything received from the Eagles Closet, regardless of what it is, will never be shared with anyone except the recipient,” Kimberlin said.
There are no special qualifications or fees for receiving items from the Closet, just a need.
The Eagle’s Closet is fully stocked with clothes, shoes, socks, deodorant, toothpaste, and personal hygiene products…almost anything a student could need.
The Eagle’s Closet has some not-so-ordinary items as well.
For example, for students who would like to go to prom, homecoming, or any other formal event, but the cost of a dress is not in their budget, the Eagle’s Closet has an extensive collection of formal dresses in all sizes and styles, some brand new with tags, and others that were very gently worn.
All a student needs to do to access the Eagles Closet is to connect with their school counselor, from there we will make arrangements
— Middle School Guidance Councilor Matt Kimberling
The Tyrone Rotary Club donated personal hygiene supplies and the racks and displays came from a recently closed store in the Logan Valley Mall.
Tyrone High School teachers Stacy Greenleaf and Shannon Davis have also been a big help in getting the project started.
Their students are in charge of stocking and maintaining the Closet.
“It provides them with the opportunity to practice organizational skills such as hanging clothes, sorting items by size, and laundering and folding clothes,” Davis said.
The Eagle’s Closet is located near the computer lab on the second floor near the middle school guidance office in room 5223, and is open to any Middle or High School Student any day of the school year.
