A charitable closet inside Kiski Area High School offers more than just clothes.

Staffed by 10 students from the high school’s Life Skills Program, the Cavalier Closet is a free student store offering donated clothing, accessories, shoes and toiletries to any student in need.

The closet concept was created in 2014 by English teacher Emily DePanicis-Saxion and school resource officer Charity Hollis.

It began with a single bag of clothing that a teacher donated to a student. As others began to contribute, donated items were housed in a section of a guidance counselor’s office.

Now, the Cavalier Closet occupies an entire room, once used by the yearbook staff.

The room is spacious and offers numerous storage drawers, clothes racks, a large mirror and shelving.

“This is self-serve, anonymous and has no stigma,” DePanicis-Saxion said. “We’ve seen other schools open up closets as well. We have so many donations because our community is so large.”

The store is open every day that school is in session.

The public is encouraged to drop off gently-worn clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as hygiene items, at the front entrance of the high school.

Students may “shop” the store anytime and choose unlimited items. DePanicis-Saxion said the most popular items selected are new underwear, socks and hygiene products.

With prom season almost here, dozens of formal dresses, some new and sporting their original tags, are stocked and ready for the taking.

The closet is organized into separate areas for boys and girls. Clothing choices include semi-formal wear, formal wear, jeans, T-shirts, sweaters, belts, shoes, blouses, men’s suits and dress shirts, jackets, coats and more.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review Kiski Area High School Life Skills sophomore Jaquay Butler folds jeans Wednesday at the Cavalier Closet, a free clothing, accessories and toiletries store for students.  

Life Skills teacher Carl Donati said his students take great pride in maintaining a tidy and efficient closet.

“They budget their time and keep things organized. They’re in there about 45 minutes each school day,” Donati said. “They’ve taken a big sense of ownership with this.”

Donati estimated he sees about a dozen students visit the closet every school day.

Kiski Area High School junior Avery Celo said the closet fills a need.

“It’s very helpful, and it’s great for students who maybe don’t have as much money to spend on clothes,” Celo said.

Junior Grace Geltz has donated some of her own clothes to the closet.

“It’s a great safe space to get newly used clothes,” Geltz said.

The district has additional free clothing closets, including the Kiski Area Intermediate School Closet.

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