At Central High School, students are finding more than just academic support, they’re discovering confidence, dignity, and a sense of belonging through Catie’s Closet. This essential resource provides students with access to clothing and hygiene products, helping remove barriers that might otherwise hinder their ability to focus on school.

The school’s Catie’s Closet, managed by Central High School social worker Amy Pellegrini, is a lifeline for many students. Pellegrini receives donations that are then passed to Catie’s Closet to ensure they are properly sorted and distributed to students who need them most. “Students access resources with dignity,” Pellegrini says, highlighting the importance of providing not just necessities but also choices that respect students’ personal style and preferences.

Each day, the closet serves between two to ten students, with higher demand on Fridays when it remains open after school from 3-3:30PM. Many students are repeat visitors, relying on Catie’s Closet for everything from daily wear to emergency wardrobe changes during the school day. Winter months typically see an increase in usage as students seek warm clothing to get through the season.

The impact of access to clothing goes beyond just having something to wear. It influences students’ confidence, classroom engagement, and even school attendance. “We want students to be proud of their clothes and to feel confident,” says Amanda Harvey from Catie’s Closet. Students who are comfortable in their clothing can focus better in class, participate in extracurricular activities, and even attend job interviews with self-assurance.

The most in-demand items include natural hair care products, deodorants, sweatshirts, leggings, and sweatpants. “After COVID, childhood obesity has increased, so we need a large variety of sizes,” Harvey adds, underscoring the importance of meeting diverse needs.

Before Catie’s Closet, students in need had to sift through bins of donated clothing not sorted by size or style from a very small closet or Pellegrini’s office. “Now, when students walk into Catie’s Closet, their faces light up,” she says. The transformation has made the experience more dignified and empowering.

Keisy, a sophomore at Central and a Key Club volunteer, describes the space as feeling like a store. “We organize and sort the items out so it looks presentable. It is like a shop! It boosts the confidence of students who are able to shop.” The Key Club plays an active role in maintaining the closet, ensuring it remains a welcoming and functional space.

For some students, Catie’s Closet is the reason they can attend school at all. “There are students who wouldn’t be here if they didn’t have access to clean clothing,” Pellegrini explains. From student-athletes needing proper attire for tryouts to students returning from medical leave in need of new sizes, the closet helps ensure that clothing challenges do not become obstacles to education.

Having access to these basic needs can even impact students’ work schedules. “Some students work long hours, and their grades slip. Having access to hygiene products and clothes allows them to cut back their hours a little,” Pellegrini says. She emphasizes that the closet is more than just a resource, it’s a connection point between students and their school community.

The benefits of Catie’s Closet extend beyond Central High School’s walls. “When you impact the younger generation in a positive direction, they are able to be contributing citizens to the community,” Pellegrini says. Addressing basic needs can prevent generational cycles of poverty and struggle, providing students with a better foundation for success.

With demand constantly high, donations are crucial to keeping the closet stocked. “Things are out of the distribution center as fast as they come in,” Harvey notes. Catie’s Closet operates three Distribution Centers that serve 100,000 children in 140 schools across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Those looking to support Catie’s Closet can contribute financially or donate items through their Amazon wishlist.

“Community support and our partnerships with generous individuals, companies, and foundations are vital to our ability to say ‘yes’ to more children who rely on us for support,” says Mickey Cockrell, CEO and co-founder of Catie’s Closet. “We are honored to be a part of the Manchester community, serving over 5,000 children in five schools.”

Catie’s Closet at Central High School was made possible through the generous support of Elliot Health System, whose funding helped establish this vital resource for students. Thanks to their continued commitment to student well-being, Elliot Health System is now helping expand access even further with a new Catie’s Closet coming to Beech Street Elementary School, slated to open in late spring.

“The staff at The Elliot are honored to support the important impact Catie’s Closet has on student’s well-being, school experience and enhanced confidence as they learn and grow,” says Kelli Rafferty of Elliot Health System. “We are proud to partner with the Manchester School District, Manchester Proud, and Catie’s Closet to serve the needs of students in our community.”

This new location will provide younger students with access to essential clothing and hygiene items, helping remove barriers to learning and ensuring all children can come to school feeling confident and cared for. As with Central, the goal is to create a welcoming space where students can access what they need with dignity and pride, empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Students at Manchester Central can access Catie’s Closet by reaching out to Pellegrini directly or through referrals from teachers, counselors, multilingual liaisons, or other school professionals. Parents can also reach out for assistance.

To support this vital program, consider making a financial contribution or donating items through Catie’s Closet’s Amazon wishlist. Your generosity ensures that students not only have what they need but also the dignity and confidence to thrive in school and beyond.

Donate here: https://www.catiescloset.org/donate/ 

Amazon link for Catie’s Closet: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1UAHRU79C5FEY?ref_=wl_share