As we struggle through the seemingly endless cold of New York’s winter months, it is imperative that students have the proper attire. A club has been created to help address this problem. At the beginning of this year, the Curtis Closet was added to the school’s extensive list of clubs. Members meet every Tuesday during the 10th period to plan clothing distribution events for members of the Curtis community in need. Students who are part of the Curtis Closet collect, sort, and then distribute the clothing. Before it was a club the Curtis Closet existed more informally. Ms. Aversa, Assistant Principal of Social Studies started to distribute women’s business attire and prom dresses in 2017 out of her office. As the news spread she had more clothes to distribute and reached out for help. This year, the students assisting her thought that it was a good idea to make it a real club.

The most recent event was a success! Students and parents were able to pick up winter coats during the December 10th PTA meeting. The lobby was full of coats hanging on coat racks.  People could come in to browse the selection, try coats on and take what they needed. Coats, scarves, hats, sweaters, and ear-muffs were distributed during this time. Close to 200 items were given away. Mariachiara Cerniglia, co-founder of the Curtis Closet said, “The event was a lot of fun! It was rewarding to see the happy faces once they received their winter wear. It was especially amazing to see different members of the community donating! It really shows that Curtis is a place with a great community.” 

Anjali Pickett, another co-founder, said,  “What made me want to start the Curtis Closet was the idea of giving back to my community. Growing up in poverty myself, I could relate to the struggles of affording clothes. So it brings me great joy to give to others. The process of organizing this event was very rewarding, especially seeing students happy with the items they got.”

Word is spreading too; New York Cares recently donated 140 new coats that will be part of the next distribution on February 5th during the Community School Family Night. All leftover coats will be given to Project Hospitality and after this event, the Curtis Closet will be gearing up for prom season.