South Park School District is pleased to announce the opening of our very own Caring Closet at South Park High School!
The Need:
The following national statistics highlight the need for programs like the Caring Closet:
- According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 11.6% of the U.S. population lived below the poverty line in 2022. This percentage represents about 37 million people, including families and individuals.
- In addition, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that about 34 million people (including 9 million children) in the U.S. faced food insecurity in 2022. This means they did not have consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
- The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) estimates that over 1 in 6 children in the U.S. live in poverty. In addition to poverty, many of these children face challenges like inadequate education, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare, which contribute to their vulnerability.
The Intervention:
As the demand for food pantries and essential items continues to rise nationwide, the South Park School District created the Caring Closet to meet the essential needs of our students. This initiative provides students with access to donated clothing, hygiene products, school supplies, and other items that can help them feel comfortable and prepared for school. The Caring Closet aims to remove barriers that may hinder a student’s ability to focus on their education and participate fully in school life. Whether it's a jacket for cold weather or personal hygiene products, we are committed to supporting every student’s well-being and success.
The Details:
- Location: 2005 Eagle Ridge Drive South Park PA 15129
- Opening Hours: Students are invited to shop at the Caring Closet during school hours
- What We Accept: Clothing (all sizes), winter gear, shoes, gloves and hats, toiletries, non-perishable food items.
- How to Donate: Drop off your donations during our open hours or contact your school’s social worker to arrange a donation drop-off/pick-up.
The Contact Information:
If you would like to donate to the Caring Closet or learn more about accessing the items in the Closet, please contact your student’s school social worker, Mrs. Jaclyn Cortazzo at (412) 655-3111 ext. 2015 for SPHS/SPMS or Mrs. Danielle Britton at (412) 655-3111 ext. 6147 for SPEC/SPMS.