George’s Closet6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813 863-648-3566 Fax 863-701-1131

Historical Perspective:The 2014 students in the George Jenkins GEICO Academy determined that need wasn’t limited to a holiday season of giving, but was essential throughout the year. Most people perceive George Jenkins as a rich school. We don’t totally agree with that perception. We know we have a very diverse populous with students and families that are in dire need, students that are homeless, and families that fall victim to tragedies. These realizations inspired the mission and vision of George’s Closet. The original idea was to expand a little closet with a few bags of clothes into a small boutique, called George’s Closet, with new or gently used clothes, shoes, belts and accessories. It quickly grew and so did the scope. Our boutique now serves several other initiatives including a food pantry, school supplies, hygiene products, free gowns for prom & homecoming and recycled graduation gowns. All of these items are extended free to the students, families, and staff at George Jenkins High School. Each of the founding students and staff members involved brought something different to the table and left their handprint on something that we hope will have a life of its own and will continue to grow for years to come.

Our Mission is to provide students and families in need with clothing, supplies, and food throughout the seasons…

Our Vision is to establish an ongoing mission of “Helping Others One Hanger at a Time.”Our hope is that the administration and staff will carry on the legacy that we created here far beyond those of us who started it.

How does our program work?Students, parents, or staff members can bring any need to us without question. Most of our students come to us by a referral from a teacher, dean, guidance counselor, nurse or coach. The most important part of our program is to make sure that the students and families we serve are treated with compassion while protecting their privacy, dignity and self-respect. Our program also promotes a Pay It ForwardConcept of helping each other. It instills a heart of giving within the students for both those that provide help and those that need it.

How can you help?All of those involved in the inception and development of George’s Closet invite you to participate in its mission by utilizing its services, donating financially to the cause, contributing items for distribution to those in need, or volunteering to help.  We can’t do this our own . . Your ongoing donations are needed desperately!  If you have new or slightly used clothes/shoes/belts/accessories, school supplies, hygiene products, canned and non-perishable food items, please bring them to the Main office and place in the George’s Closet’s bins provided there.  You can help make our slogan a reality…“Helping Others One Hanger at a Time.”

Needs:Here is our list of some of the needs for George’s Closet. Periodically we will put out a wish list for immediate needs and shortages. Any small donation will really help meet the needs of the students and families we serve throughout the year.

Seasonal Needs: Graduation Caps & Gowns Homecoming DressesSweatshirtsSweatersWinter Coats

Hygiene Care:Body WashDeodorant Laundry DetergentSanitary Products – no tamponsShampoo and ConditionerSocksToilet PaperTooth BrushesToothpaste Underwear - new

Food:RiceSpaghetti/noodles/shellsSpaghetti SauceSpaghetti OsRavioliMac & CheeseMashed Potatoes – instantStuffing – like Stove Top Gravy – packages or cansPre-Packaged MealsBox CerealOatmeal - instantCheese & Crackers Jelly Peanut Butter/Nutella

Ramen NoodlesSoupCookiesCrackersTuna – cans or pouchesChicken – cansFruit- cansYams- cansSnack Bars Small Crock Pots

School Supplies:BindersBook BagsNotebooksPaperPens & pencils