Sebring Local Schools Family Engagement Coordinator Jill Dennis oversees the Trojan Care Closet at B.L. Miller Elementary, while working closely with the YWCA of Alliance and local partners to provide a vital resource to the community. (Submitted photo)

SEBRING — In a continued effort to support its students and their families, Sebring Local Schools has significantly expanded its free resource offerings, making clothing, hygiene products, and more available to those in need at each of its buildings.

This year, B.L. Miller Elementary’s Care Closet has grown exponentially, moving into an entire classroom to create a space that resembles a small store. 

The transformation has allowed for better organization, making it easier for families to access items at their convenience. Stocked with clothes, shoes, socks, boots, coats, accessories, hygiene products, and even laundry detergent, the Care Closet offers a one-stop shop for students and their families.

AmeriCorps VISTA staff from the YWCA visit regularly to help organize and restock the closet, ensuring it remains well-supplied with new and gently used items donated by local families and businesses. 

Additionally, a personal care station has been set up with hygiene products, also including a diaper bank, sponsored by Project MKC, to support families with young children. 

Donations continue to pour in following the holiday season, including a generous contribution from the Sebring Elks Lodge1529, which has supported the purchase of new items, including winter clothing for both the Trojan Care Closet at B.L. Miller Elementary and McKinley.

“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with the YWCA of Alliance and for the generous support from our community,” said Jill Dennis, Family Engagement coordinator for Sebring Local Schools. “We’ve seen a wonderful cycle of giving, where families who have received help from the Care Closet are now donating clothes and items to support others in need. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and our community has proven time and time again how strong that village is.”

The Care Closet is open during the school day, Monday through Friday, or by appointment if a time is needed outside of school hours. 

The growth of the Clothing Closet at Sebring McKinley Jr./Sr. High School is equally impressive. After doubling in size last year, it continues to provide essential clothing and hygiene products to students in grades 7-12. 

Run by the Junior High Student Senate, the closet is open once a week during enrichment class and after school on Thursdays, allowing students to “shop” for up to three free items per visit. 

Since opening its doors in February 2023, the Clothes Closet has distributed thousands of items, all thanks to donations from local families, businesses, the district’s board of education and the school community.

Both the B.L. Miller Care Closet and the Sebring McKinley Clothes Closet are crucial resources for the district, offering students and families a helping hand during difficult times. Sebring Local Schools encourages anyone who would like to contribute to these initiatives to consider donating gently used or new clothing, hygiene products, or financial support to continue expanding these efforts.

Additional resources and programs offered to Sebring families and the community through the YWCA and community partners include a laundry program, a transitional housing program, transportation assistance, and utility assistance program. For information on these resources, as well as the Trojan Care Closet at B.L. Miller Elementary, contact Dennis at jdennis@sebring.k12.oh.us or 614-915-2514.

For information about the Sebring McKinley Clothes Closet, or if you’d like to contribute, contact Sebring High School at 330-938-2963.