Free Clothes helps students: Paraprofessional Amanda Danforth has created a free clothing system for East students

Hoodies, t-shirts and other Lancer gear are hung neatly on the silver metal rack outside of room 403.

This rack isn't for students searching for lost items or forgotten clothes, but instead a new resource for students in need of clothes. The garments are free and accessible for all.

Paraprofessional Amanda Danforth created this system of free clothes to spread the Lancer spirit and make kids feel included and welcomed, according to Danforth.

“My goal is to spread the Lancer spirit and make kids feel included,” Danforth said. "I love giving back, and love the community it builds," Danforth said. "I think just being in the school district, people are willing and ready to give back, so this just makes it easier and more exciting.”

Danforth started working as a para three years ago. She noticed that a majority of students, even teachers, didn't own a lot of Lancer gear.

Last year, Danforth moved into a job coaching role where she worked with middle school students in the career exploration class. The class needed an activity to do, and that's when she came up with the brilliant idea of a pop-up stand for free clothes. The kids in the career exploration class would sort and organize donated clothes, and then hang them up on a clothing rack.

Danforth carried this idea with her to SME and quickly branched into what is now the free clothing rack.

“We accept donations, wash them, hang them and size them,” said Danforth.

According to Danforth, so far the free clothing rack has been doing quite well, with students taking advantage of the resource.

“Since it is a newer system and somewhat hidden, there isn't much awareness of this resource yet,” Danforth said. "Once more awareness comes, it should catch like wild fire.”