Service loans out formal clothing to students
By Caitlin Marsch, Current Staff
Thanks to the work of volunteers, students in need will be able to look sharp while attending Saturday’s prom and other school functions.
In December, Interact, an international service club at the West Bend High Schools, permanently partnered with Patty’s Closet, a school program that loans out dresses and other formal wear to those in need, including special education and low income students. The closet, which is located in the East library, is free to the students, on the condition of returning the clothing clean.
Alyssa Ortiz, president of Interact, said that when former facilitator Dawn Goralski was looking for a group that could take care of Patty’s Closet, and keep the service available to students, the responsibility naturally fell into the hands of Interact.
“Patty’s Closet was looking for new leadership to take over the responsibilities of the organization,” said Ortiz, a West junior. “Interact strives to better the community through service, and so we felt that we had to take advantage of the opportunity to help others within the school.”
“We felt that we had to take advantage of the opportunity to help others within the school.”
– Alyssa Ortiz, Interact president
So far, the partnership has been successful, with many donations coming from faculty and community members, adviser Nicole Di Bernardo said.
This partnership is especially crucial during prom season, as many students would not be able to attend the dance due to not owning formal wear.
“The closet offers students the pride of involvement and the ability to respect the dress code,” Goralski said. “Many (students) might not be able to attend such school functions and events without proper attire.”
The club has not hesitated to reach out to students in need.
“Interact has notified staff and support services in the high school so that they can direct students in need,” Di Bernardo said.
Students interested in using Patty’s Closet may also contact Di Bernardo, East English teacher Jo Passet or Interact officers.
(Photo taken today by Samantha Dietel, Editor in Chief.)
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