Many see school strictly in academic terms, but for some, it’s also a place to acquire other essential resources. From free lunches to socioemotional support, schools are designed to be resource hubs on top of learning centers. Brighton High School’s Care Closet aims to emphasize this aspect.
Located in room D16, the Care Closet is an empty classroom available to all students who require what it has to offer. It’s not only a comfortable space where someone can go to decompress during the school day, but it also provides everyday necessities one might lack. Things like deodorant, shampoo, snacks/food, clothes and school supplies are consistently donated for students’ use. It is open during all lunches for students who hope to use the resources or space.
The Care Closet has long been student-run, relying on students to secure donations and organize them.
“It started off being led by Unity Leadership Club… We would kind of just keep it clean, make sure there’s donations,” senior Kendall Eisinger, who has played an active role in the Care Closet for several years, said.
When Unity Leadership Club began experiencing low enrollment, though, Eisinger knew that she had to find a new way to ensure that the closet continued to be supported. She decided to turn to Interact Club, a service-oriented club affiliated with Rotary International.
“Interact has always been very community and caretaking-focused. It’s always been really good at volunteering, and I thought this would be something good to take into our own school, because we always volunteer out of school,” Eisinger said.
Interact assumed responsibility for the Care Closet in January 2026 and has continued to run it since then. Members have dedicated several hours towards sorting through old resources, reorganizing the room and acquiring new donations. Helping spearhead the effort, Eisinger noted how oversight has been even more efficient under Interact.
“We made sure there were more donations coming in… We were in there every other week, making sure it’s organized, making sure that everything’s still in stock,” Eisinger said.
On top of replenishing donations, the club has worked to find additional furniture per students’ requests for more seating and attempted to make the room feel more cozy overall. New changes so far include softer lighting, a colorful sofa and an end table. The club also consistently accepts new feedback.
“We also have a suggestion box, so students can write down what they want to see more of in the future, and then we can take their suggestions and make sure we can get them done,” Eisinger said.
Though Brighton has a reputation for being more affluent than many other areas across the state and country, many students still struggle to acquire necessary resources, and the Care Closet allows them to receive them with relative anonymity and dignity.
“Although we do live in Brighton, there are people that completely don’t have things at home that they need,” Eisinger said. “And so it’s a great way for people to go in and take what they need without being embarrassed or anything.”
People looking to donate to the Care Closet can drop donations off at the main office or the donation bin in the Care Closet.
