School counselor Caitlin Livingston and custodian Chris Smiddy stand inside the new student “store” at Lee Elementary, where staff can organize clothing and essentials in a positive, welcoming space. “Most importantly, it was for the kids,” said Smiddy.
At Lee Elementary, just beneath a hand-painted sign that reads “You Are Loved,” there’s a simple door that leads to something extraordinary. What was once a storage area has been transformed into a student “store”, a place where children can find jackets, shoes, hats, and other essentials, free of charge. It’s a space born out of noticing a need and creating a solution.
School counselor Caitlin Livingston said the idea grew out of necessity. “While we collect donations throughout the year, we quickly outgrew the space we had available. As a result, many items were stored in garbage bags or placed on shelves that weren’t accessible. Instead of digging through bags, I wanted it to feel more like a store. I wanted kids to be able to choose the items they needed, and I wanted it to be a positive experience for them.”
Livingston shared her vision with custodian Chris Smiddy, who was immediately on board. With the construction skills of Warren Clark, from the Eastmont Maintenance Department, the team brought the idea to life over the summer. Smiddy explained his motivation clearly: “We've all been in need of something at some point in our life, but we often don't ask for help. For kids, this can be a real challenge, especially with the fear of being embarrassed. So with that in mind, I envisioned a safe place.”
And just days into the school year, the impact was evident. Livingston recalled, “Last week, I took a student shopping who needed a new shirt. He returned to class with a whole new level of confidence, proudly asking his classmates throughout the day if they liked what he was wearing.”
That kind of transformation is exactly what the staff hoped for. “We often talk about the importance of meeting children’s basic needs first, and this new space truly reflects that belief,” said Livingston. Principal Jamea Connor said the best part is being able to reassure families: “Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.”
Looking ahead, Smiddy hopes the store will remain a lasting part of the school’s culture: “I hope it becomes another one of Eastmont’s many tools in providing the help needed for children to succeed.”
Lee’s project is part of a districtwide commitment. All Eastmont schools accept new or gently used donations and partner with community groups to ensure students have what they need to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
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