The closet has been up and running for many years and has successfully helped many Bismarck High School students with their everyday necessities.
“It started about 8 years ago with just clothing and it was actually started by a group of students,” BHS counselor Julie Berg said.“The food pantry came a few years after, and Hygiene Hype is going on year 5.”
Many people stay involved in keeping the Closet organized and ready to help out.
“It’s really a group effort. But, Mrs. Wendy-Hafner Bakken runs the food portion, Mrs. Megan Heaton oversees the clothing donations and me & Michelle Schmidt take lead on hygiene products,” Berg said.
The closet is open to all students, in order to ensure no student at BHS has to worry about their everyday items and survival.”
“The closet was created for all BHS students. We have a diverse student body and all have different needs. It started with just clothing and food but has grown into so much more” Berg said.
The Closet runs off of donations and help from anyone who is willing. There is not a requirement on how much some can donate. Anything that is donated is greatly appreciated.
“Donations come from community and local businesses,” Berg said.
Clothing is not the only thing that students have access to in the closet.
“[Some items in the closet are] Food, clothing, pads, tampons, socks, underwear, deodorant, shampoo, lotions, razors, hats, gloves, laundry detergent, towels, blankets, tennis shoes (lots of name brand!), hairbrushes, toilet paper, Demon clothing, etc,” Berg said.
Although all items donated are appreciated, there are some items that the BHS closest will not take.
“We won’t take children’s clothing. We like to keep the focus on high school student needs,” Berg said.
There are many items that the BHS closet currently could use. There are a lot of items in high-demand right now, because of factors like winter weather.
“We need deodorant, tampons, pads, shampoo and lotion,and hairbrushes.” “[We need] Gently used clothing and new/unopened hygiene items,” Berg said.
Student Services. Student Services is always open to help all students. They have helped so many kids with the BHS closet hygiene products. “We have personal hygiene products located in student services,” BHS counselor Julie Berg said.
caption with picture of student services
