I-JAG students are using the store as a work-based learning project, according to Palmer. “It gives students the opportunity to work together as a team and to problem-solve,” she said. Teen moms will also be assisting. To date, the students have cleaned and organized the space, painted racks to hang clothing, and sorted through over five car loads of donated items. Clothing and shoes are sorted by size and type.
OTTUMWA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
A Quality Education for Every Student
OTTUMWA— There’s a new store in town that will provide free clothing and other items to Ottumwa students in need of some assistance.
The OHS Secret Stop and Shop, located in a former storage area on the school’s third floor, provides clothing, shoes, personal care items, backpacks, and baby items, including diapers and strollers, for students in need. The store hopes to break some of the barriers students might have to attending school.
“It’s important to keep kids in school,” said Laurie Palmer, Ottumwa’s I-JAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) coordinator who played a role in establishing the store. “It’s an investment. The alternative of not having them educated is more costly.”
Several local organizations are working together to make the store a reality, including Ottumwa High School, I-JAG, American Home Finding, and The Bridge, a local church based in Pella. Partners hope to make a difference in the students they assist.
The Bridge pastor Marty Schmidt called asking how their church could help high school students during the initial planning stages of the store. The parrish responded by donating school supplies, lots of baby items including strollers, and clothing. Bridge staffer Kate Sloan also provides assistance on site. “We couldn't have come this far without them,” said Palmer of The Bridge. “It has been a true partnership.”
Principal Steve Hanson feels this is a good addition to the school. “It takes time, energy, to put something like this together,” he said. “It is great, well beyond my original expectations.”
Donations from the public will be accepted. Currently, the store has a need for toothbrushes, deodorant and other personal care products. For more information, contact Palmer at 641-683-4444 x 229.
Six Essential Learnings
Effective Communicators • Critical Thinkers • Responsible Community Members
Informed Decision Makers • Compassionate Role Models • Respectful Individuals
All items are for students who are referred through a teacher, counselor, or school nurse. The hope is that eventually, students will be able to self-refer.
The center only accepts items that are in good condition that students would feel comfortable wearing. Hangers were donated by Kmart and Dollar General.
