LIBERTY, N.Y. — Liberty Middle School recently celebrated the opening of its Care Closet, a dedicated space designed to help ensure students have access to essential personal care items, clothing and school supplies in a confidential and supportive environment.

Any student in need is eligible to use the Care Closet. Student visits and use of the Care Closet are kept confidential.  The Care Closet remains available year-round to support students and families whenever a need arises.

Students can access the Care Closet by:

• Visiting guidance office in their school
• Requesting assistance through school support staff, including social workers, psychologists, nurses or administrators

Available items include:

• Soap and shower gel

• Shampoo and conditioner

• Clothing

• School supplies

• Lotion and deodorant

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

• Hair care supplies

• Feminine hygiene products

Today, the Care Closet receives support from the Hudson Valley Regional Food Bank, Leadership Sullivan Class of 2026, Liberty Rotary, the Bastardettes, Fall Festival sponsors and many other community partners.

The Care Closet also houses the Snack Pack/Backpack Program, which provides weekend food support for children experiencing food insecurity. Each Friday, students enrolled in the program receive bags containing food for the weekend, including two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners. Additional food is often provided during extended school breaks to help meet families’ needs.

Currently, the program serves 34 students at Liberty Elementary School, 29 students at Liberty Middle School and 16 students at Liberty High School. During the 2025-26 school year, the program supported nearly 180 students districtwide. 

Students play an important role in the program’s success. In collaboration,  Liberty High School Life Skills and Special Class students help sort, organize and distribute food bags each week, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities while giving back to fellow students and families throughout the district.

 

Thank you to our community members that have supported the Care Closet:

• Liberty Rotary

• Catskill Bastarettes

• The Francis J. Feely Charitable Fund

• Bleeding Hearts Law Enforcement MC

• Liberty faculty, staff and student volunteers

Community members who would like to support the Care Closet can make donations through the Care Closet Amazon Wish List or contribute to the Care Closet Fund through the Regional Food Bank.

• Care Closet Amazon Wish List

• Regional Food Bank Care Closet Fund

This support helps ensure students have access to essential items when they need them most. Through strong community partnerships and student involvement, the Care Closet continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Liberty students and families.