The beginning of the school year can be very expensive with all the supplies and clothes that need to be purchased. Kids asking for school merchandise can add to the expense. Shenendehowa Central School District will open its first-ever temporary clothing thrift store this coming week.
Skatekon Elementary School Principal Erica Ryan spearheaded the project that will have booths set up at the districts various elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. Principal Ryan told The Daily Gazette the idea 'stemmed from her desire to give all students the chance to own school gear, including students who are not able to afford to buy the clothing directly from the school merchandise store'. Ryan also said she has seen graduating students discard their old Shen clothing at local thrift stores when they graduate, and she would rather see it go to other students still in school.
Throughout the summer boxes were placed in various Shen schools so parents and students could drop off their gently used Shen gear. Booths will be set up during walk-throughs at schools later this week. A list of the thrift store locations will be put out by the district soon.
Will this be project happen again next year? Ryan says she 'would love it to happen again but it will all depend on the success this time around'.

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