It is important that District students and families needing basic essentials feel cared for and respected. That’s why the District’s very popular school-based boutique got a facelift this year to make it more of a welcoming space for families seeking needed clothing, shoes, coats, athletic wear and other basic essentials. Volunteer organizers Rebecca Salem and Kim Dann-Messier said they wanted the boutique to look more like a nice shop rather than a place just to sort through clothing. The new look includes crisp white shelving, nooks for displaying jewelry, handbags and other accessories, bright lighting, chic chairs and more.
The boutique is free for families and students needing assistance and is open by appointment. It is housed in the lower level of University City High School.
The boutique always has a need for donations of clean, gently used clothing and new packs of underwear in all sizes. It especially needs athletic shorts, shoes, packages of socks, jogging pants and tops and larger women’s clothing. The boutique recently held a free prom “pop-up shop” so students could hand-pick from jewelry, formal shoes, gowns, dresses, suits and tuxes to create the perfect formal outfit.
To donate to the boutique or schedule an appointment, contact Rebecca Salem at rsalem91@yahoo.com and/or Kim Dann-Messier at kimde@hotmail.com.
