Student Assistance Corner

The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet

By fostering positive educational achievements that help students thrive, the Mary Lyon Foundation has steadfastly advocated for students and faculty within the Mohawk Trail community. One shining example is the Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet, a groundbreaking initiative spearheaded by the Key Club with backing from advisor Lisa Camarda, a dedicated long-time educator at Mohawk Trail Regional High School (MTRHS).

Building Character and Compassion

The Key Club focuses on building character, compassion, and integrity while providing valuable services to the school and the community. Lisa Camarda was excited to align the club’s mission with her goal of cultivating student enhancement and growth by becoming their club advisor.

Inspired by a desire to create something meaningful for the school community, the Key Club founded the Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet – a closet within one of their classrooms that houses necessities such as clothing, shoes, and hygiene products.

“This is dear to my heart. It’s important for me to help enable students to develop essential leadership skills and foster a spirit of volunteerism,” said Camarda.

Support from the Mary Lyon Foundation and the Community

The success of the Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet relies heavily on collaborative partnerships. The Salvation Army in Springfield, the Mary Lyon Foundation, and the school staff rallied behind the Closet to ensure underserved students and community members have access to necessities in a discreet, dignified way.

Camarda expresses her gratitude, “The Salvation Army jumped in, as did the Mary Lyon Foundation. Kristen Tillona-Baker and her staff worked diligently to provide clothing racks, storage equipment, hygiene products, and a rug, helping the area remain clean and inviting.  Key Club students then dedicated months to organizing the room to ensure it’s a welcoming space for those in need. ”

Opening Doors to Support

The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet officially opened its doors on May 2. Since then, Camarda said many students have taken advantage of the Closet’s offerings.

“We had three to four bags of clothing go out just last week alone,” shared Camarda.

She thanks the Mary Lyon Foundation and attributes the ongoing success, in part, to their unwavering support.

“Kristen and staff consistently check in to ensure the Closet remains well-stocked and in order. Thanks to these efforts, the Closet already has seen many student visitors stopping by to benefit from its resources,” said Camarda.

Expanding Access and Fostering Leadership

The Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet is a testament to the power of community. Aligned with the Mary Lyon Foundation’s mission to promote student success, the Closet addresses students’ basic needs and instills essential leadership qualities in Key Club students.

“The Key Club believes that every student has a right to the basic necessities of life, and we wanted to help make that possible. Additionally, Key Club students have gained invaluable leadership skills, learning the importance of volunteering, character-building, and positively impacting the world,” said Camarda.

Through meaningful partnerships and dedication, the Caring is Sharing Clothing Closet serves as a beacon of compassion, unity, and support that will leave a lasting legacy on the community for years to come.