Under the leadership of Kenwood’s new community school facilitator, Mr. Goldbeck, and social workers, Ms. Reaves and Ms. Sachs-Kohen, KHS hosted their first Pop Up Thrift shop in the Fall. Shortly before the holiday season students could come to the MPR to shop for clothing, shoes, and accessories.
It was such a popular success, they hosted another this Spring on March 27. Students left for the weekend with IKEA blue bags full of goodies to welcome the changing seasons approaching. “It was the greatest joy to see students carrying all of those blue IKEA bags filled with treasures leaving the MPR entrance,” shared Kenwood Principal Ms. Smith.
Over 292 students and staff were able to take 2,924 pieces of clothing, shoes, and accessories home! “The joy of getting to shop with your friends and wear your spoils cannot be matched,” adds Smith. In preparation for such a big shopping event as it entails days of setting up the MPR to look like a modern day thrift shop, Kenwood’s FALS students supported by Ms. Phillips and Ms. Bundick help organize and set up all the donations that come in to create this event for Kenwood staff and students to enjoy.
A Kenwood junior was one of just many that got to enjoy the benefits of this new KHS shop. “I loved the pop up shops as I got lots of new tees and flannels to keep me warm before warm in the Fall and was in dire need of pants and clothing that fit me so much appreciated being able to shop right here at school,” she shares.
Not only with the new school community facilitator in the building have students enjoyed the opportunity to shop for clothing and accessories, but there is also been the opportunity for students to shop for fresh fruits on their way out the door of school to home. “On April 1, we had our second First Fruit Farms distribution outside the MPR event that went very well. They will be here the first Tuesday of every month,” shares Mr. Goldbeck.
First Fruit Farms set up their fruit stand outside the entrance doors to the MPR and students are welcome to shop the fresh fruit to take home to enjoy. “I think the pop up shops and fruit distributions are an excellent way to provide for those less fortunate, as well as bring the school community together to improve our climate and culture. The more students and community members giving and sharing the more it will become a part of our culture and a hopeful way of every day life for our community in general,” shares Kenwood teacher Mr. Kern.
As the year winds down, Mr. Goldbeck wants to remind everyone about Kenwood’s new Community Closest. “We have established a Community Closest with resources for our students.” If in need students can see Mr. Goldbeck, Kenwood’s social workers, or the school nurse. Anyone can also make donations to help keep the community closest stocked with much needed items for students.
We hope everyone has found the benefit of creating a community of giving and sharing.
