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Claysville Elementary students learn new lessons with ‘Care Closet’

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Katie Anderson/Observer-Reporter

Deanna Clark, a parent volunteer, hangs up children’s clothing in the “Care Closet” at Claysville Elementary.

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The "Care Closet" at Claysville Elementary provides clothing, shoes, food and toiletries for students in need. 

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Claysville Elementary students help stock shelves with food in the school's "Care Closet" for children in need. 

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Katie Anderson/Observer-Reporter

Claysville Elementary third-grader Jacob Anestis stands with donated food items in the school’s “Care Closet.”

Claysvillle Elementary School students are learning a lesson in caring with the school’s new “Care Closet.”

The Care Closet is a classroom on the second floor with racks of donated clothing, food and toiletries for students in need.

“We’ve always provided for our children and families in need,” said Principal Sheryl Fleck. “This has been incredible.”

The school opened the closet in January 2018 with some donated clothes on tables. It was mainly adult clothes and was open to anyone in the community in need of clothing.

“It just wasn’t being utilized enough,” said Erin Doncals, a third-grade teacher who organized the Care Closet.

Doncals said they decided to turn the focus of the room toward their students, with children-sized clothing, shoes, backpacks and other accessories. The “Care” in “Care Closet” now stands for Children Are Ready for Education.

“Some of the kids will come in with holes in their clothes or their shoes are falling apart,” she said. “This provides the basics. The kids think it’s kind of like Walmart.”

Doncals and Fleck said the donations are for all their students. She said if a child gets muddy on the playground or spills on their clothing at any point during their day, the Care Closet is a resource for them.

“We want children to feel good about themselves without a stigma,” Fleck said. “One of the things I’m most proud of here in Claysville is the culture here is generosity and kindness and giving.”

Doncals said they’ve received many donations from the community, including from anonymous individuals, local churches and businesses such Walmart, First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, and the American Legion Auxiliary in West Alexander.

“We’ve seen an outpouring of care for the kids in the community,” Doncals said.

Even the students have donated items and often spend time helping to sort out donations.

“A lot of the kids love to come down here and help,” said Deanna Clark, a parent volunteer who helps organize donations.

One third-grader, Jacob Anestis, asked his teachers and classmates to donate to the Care Closet instead of getting him presents for his birthday in February.

“This teaches them to be caring and that it’s OK to reach out for help when you need it,” Doncals said. “We’re very proud of this.”

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