Hartwick students can dress for success – and keep clothing out of the waste stream - thanks to Alexander Douglas, coordinator of civic engagement.
Douglas operates the Clothing Closet, which invites students to pick out everything from a blazer, dress shirt or suit to loungewear, pajamas or a winter coat, all free of charge.
Douglas operates the Clothing Closet, which invites students to pick out everything from a blazer, dress shirt or suit to loungewear, pajamas or a winter coat, all free of charge.
“Every piece of clothing that’s dropped off here is a piece that’s staying out of a landfill,” he said. “We want to encourage students to shop secondhand rather than going to the store when they want a new outfit.”
Now located in Dewar 318B, it started as one of his most popular events.
“It was just two racks of professional attire, but whenever I wheeled them out, students just flocked,” he said. “It’s a real opportunity to meet the needs of students who didn’t bring professional attire, need warmer clothes for the winter, or just something to hang out with friends in.”
Clothes that aren’t picked up after a certain time are donated to other community efforts, including the Family Service Association, Salvation Army and the Warming Station.
And for students who need an early-morning meal or a late-night snack to keep them feeling full, the Food Pantry in Dewar 406A is available to all students, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The pantry, which is funded by a combination of grants, donations and as a member of the Regional Food Bank Network of Northeastern NY, recently installed a fridge and a freezer to offer frozen meals and meats. They also stock dry and canned goods, non-perishable milk and student favorites.
“Any time we have spicy ramen or Pop-Tarts, they’re gone,” he said. “Breakfast items always go fast because some students go directly to their first class and don’t stop at the Commons.”
They even keep hygiene products on hand. “If a student just needs a toothbrush, they may not be able to run out to Walmart to buy one, especially if they don’t have a car,” he said. “They can just come here and grab whatever they need.”
Clothing Closet donations can be brought to the 4th floor of Dewar or placed in the donation bin in the Upper Parrella parking lot. Financial contributions to the Food Pantry or the Clothing Closet can also be made through the College’s giving page. Choose “Fund not listed here” and then type in either Food Pantry or Clothing Closet in the notes section.
The 22-credit program complements majors such as biology, nursing, healthcare administration, public health, education and sport management.
As he prepares for a future in science education, Daisernia said the experience has reinforced the importance of innovation in teaching and the impact it can have on the next generation of learners.