Rachel’s Closet helps students in need

“It will make them feel it’s a safer environment knowing that the school community will help themout.” — OHS Student Council Member Nina Magliocca

ONEIDA, N.Y. » Recently, Rachel’s Challenge came to Oneida High School. This impacting event addressed the issues of bullying, harassment and violence in schools through the story of Rachel Joy Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School shooting.

This experience at Oneida High has motivated the Student Council, the guidance counselors, and the Youth Summit group to start a program known as Rachel’s Closet at O.H.S. This program is designed to provide gently-used clothing and hygiene products for those students who may not be able to obtain them on their own. The closet is intended to provide students with self-esteem they may lack from not having proper clothing or the basic necessities needed to maintain a good hygiene. The closet is confidential so students will not feel embarrassed for seeking help.

“It’s in the beginning phases so right now we are just collecting items. Once we have enough items to give people, students can go through any of the counselors,

Donations to Rachel’s Closet can be dropped off to the guidance office at Oneida High School or to Rooms 124 and 127.

Mrs. Gallagher, Mr. Vinnette and Mrs. Schoeneck to obtain these necessities or make an appointment to get items,” says Sandra Davis, head of Guidance. The closet will be promoted through Oneida’s websites, mailings, morning announcements and school televisions.

When asked how the closet would impact peers, OHS Student Council Member Nina Magliocca said, “It will make them feel it’s a safer environment knowing that the school community will help them out.”

Oneida has faith that Rachel’s Closet will give students more motivation to succeed in school. Once students have the chance to boost their needs they can focus on their education. Then, when they better themselves they can help better the community as a whole. “I hope that it continues to grow and that the kids find it helpful and useful”, said Davis.

Although Rachel’s Closet at Oneida High School is still in the process of getting started, staff and students are confident it will have a positive impact on those around them.

There are several other organizations working alongside Rachel’s Closet to help support the community. Karing Kitchen provides free lunches for those in need and can be contacted at 315-3632450. Liberty Resources provides residential and non-residential services to aid families and individuals. They can be contacted at 315-363- 0048. The Church on the Rock is also devoted to serving the community. Their program, known as Hidden Treasures, is a thrift store that provides clean clothing, housewares, toys, and other items to members of the city. They can be reached at 315-280- 4044.

Donations to Rachel’s Closet can be dropped off to the guidance office at Oneida High School or to Rooms 124 and 127.

PHOTO COURTESY RACHEL’S CLOSET The Oneida High School is collecting items for Rachel’s Closet, an outreach that provides hygiene products and gently-used clothing to students who may need them.