NEW PORT RICHEY — When seventh-grader Reese Woodies stepped through the doors of Gulf Middle School's Gulf Treasure Chest last week, his eyes flew open as he perused racks filled with clothing, shoes, toiletries and school supplies.
"Oh, my gosh!" the 13-year-old exclaimed. "Is this for real? Are you telling me all of this stuff is free?"
"I'm telling you all of this stuff is free," said Liz Kuhns, the school's parent involvement, community engagement and volunteer coordinator.
Kuhns is welcoming 20 to 30 students per week at the Treasure Chest, a 1,500-square-foot storefront filled with many of the clothes and supplies students need to succeed at school — and in life.
"We are a Title I school, with 85 percent of students on free or reduced-price lunch," Kuhns said. "There's a lot of need for basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. These needs have to be met for them to be successful."
To meet these needs, Gulf Middle has joined forces with St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in New Port Richey and other donors to offer the Treasure Chest, an in-school student supply room that bears a closer resemblance to a kid-friendly boutique.
A large, bright room adorned for spring with seasonal decorations and a large sign that bears the store logo is filled with more than a dozen racks featuring shirts, jeans, jackets, sportswear, hats, dresses both formal and casual, coats, T-shirts and slacks. All of these items are clean and in good condition, with many items bearing popular brand names. Students can take away their finds in high-quality fabric shopping bags.
"We want the students to feel welcome and excited when they come in here, like they're visiting a store," said Kuhns, who hosted the store's grand opening on March 2. "And we want them to take pride in and feel good about what they find here — to feel good about themselves."
Lining the walls are shelves and cabinets brimming with toiletries that range from soap to shampoo, and school supplies that include binders, crayons, pens, notebooks and calculators. There also are shiny new backpacks, with multiple pairs of shoes filling nearby shelves. Basics like underwear are also available, as are purses, handbags, pencil cases and occasional extras such as quilts and sleeping bags.
Students are encouraged to take up to four items per shopping trip — more if needed. And they are asked only to take home an information form for parents to fill out and sign.
"The kids have fun shopping here," Kuhns said. "And they tell their friends."
Seventh-graders Cammi Clemente and Beverly Knight laughed and chatted throughout their recent visit to the Treasure Chest, enthusing in particular when they found some dresses and leggings particular to their taste.
"Neat clothes!" said Beverly, 13.
"This is a good opportunity to find clothes and whatever you need," said Cammi, also 13.
Eighth-grader R.J. Caruthers recently visited the Treasure Chest to pick up a pair of shoes.
"This store helps people out who can't afford things," said R.J., 14. "It helps families get their kids clothes for the school year."
Principal Jason Joens takes pride in the way that school staff members and community representatives have come together to provide for the students of Gulf Middle.
"This is a community partnership to provide resources that will help kids be life-, career- and college-ready," Joens said.