Sebring Junior High Student Senate members Brittney Nagy and Adalyn Scheible-Elsass model some of the new Columbia jackets provided by the board of education, which are available for free to seventh- to 12th-graders at Sebring’s Clothes Closet. (Submitted photo)

SEBRING – The Clothes Closet at Sebring McKinley Jr./Sr. High School continues to grow, doubling in size since the beginning of the school year, thanks to the support and donations of local families, businesses, Sebring Local Schools staff and the board of education.

The classroom-turned-store is run by the Junior High Student Senate and offers free clothing, shoes, coats, hats, hygiene products and more to students in seventh to 12th grade.

More than 600 items have been distributed since the student group opened the doors last February.

Students have access to shop the store once a week during enrichment class, or after school on Thursdays, and are able to pick out three free items with each visit.

Prom dresses are also available on loan, thanks to a generous donation of dresses collected from the local community by former student Haley Armour.

“I really enjoy helping to organize and run the Clothes Closet because it helps people and makes them happy,” said Sebring eighth-grader Leah Kinser.

The Junior High Student Senate is made up of 11 seventh- and eighth-grade students, and is led by Lori DeHoff, Intervention Specialist at Sebring Local Schools.

“It’s amazing to see how much this has grown in just six short months this school year,” said DeHoff. “We’re so thankful for all of our generous donors, and we truly couldn’t offer this without the help of our student senate. They organize items, fold clothes, track donations and the number of items distributed and offer support to anyone who walks through the door.”

The Clothes Closet has received donations from DeHoff Electric to purchase a mannequin and clothing racks, and the high school carpentry class made wooden racks to support the growing number of items displayed.

“Over winter break, our board of education purchased brand new Columbia jackets, and other outerwear, which have been clearing out fast,” said DeHoff. “It’s wonderful to know our students have access to this kind of resource.”

To learn more about the Clothes Closet, or to make a donation, contact Sebring High School at 330-938-2963.