Generosity on display inside the ‘Resource Closet’

SANDPOINT — In an unused classroom at Farmin-Stidwell Elementary School, Sandpoint’s generosity is on display. 

At the end of a long hallway, past more than a dozen classrooms, lies Lake Pend Oreille School District’s Resource Closet — a free inventory of shoes, clothing, backpacks, toiletries, and anything else a student could need to show up to school ready to learn.

“If someone says they need something, we provide it,” said Dr. Betsy Dalessio, principal at Farmin-Stidwell and creator of the resource closet. 

The stockpile itself is neatly organized. Clothing of different varieties are shelved in clear plastic totes with laminated labels, and shoes are ordered by size in cubbies nearby. 

“We keep snow pants, we have tons of winter coats,” said Dalessio. “We have Halloween costumes for kids. I mean, we have everything.” 

Dalessio launched the project seven years ago after hearing about My Student in Need, a Montana program organizing donations for learners. 

“Every week in the newspaper, there’d be a little column that said, ‘my student in need: sixth grade student needs boots,’” said Dalessio. 

“You could call the newspaper and be like, ‘I’ll donate those,’ and a community member would fill the need,” Dalessio explained. 

Dalessio liked the concept but thought it could be done more efficiently. 

“I was like, there has to be a better way,” Dalessio said. 

The resource closet is just that — a permanent supply of goods and garments of all shapes and sizes available to any student with a need, district-wide. 

To access the supplies, an LPOSD staff member fills out a digital form and submits a request. Then, the supplies are shipped to the school and brought to the student. 

“I just pack up a bag, we just grab whatever, and I send it in district mail,” Dalessio said. 

Dalessio got the project off the ground thanks to a donation from the Rotary Club of Sandpoint, which continues to give funds to the resource closet each year. 

Dalessio then received a state grant that matched all donations for two years, which allowed her to develop a permanent fund. 

“I have a really healthy bank balance,” said Dalessio. She added that she expected to use about $1,000 to purchase new pairs of snowpants ahead of winter. 

“That's probably all I'll spend, because I have so many community donations,” Dalessio said, later recognizing Steve and Tamara Verby and Janice Jarzabek as major sponsors. 

In addition to individual donors contributing funds as well as new and gently used goods, local businesses have helped keep the resource closet stocked. Sandpoint retailers Finan McDonald Clothing Company and Larson’s Department Store have both furnished the program with shoes and other goods. 

Dalessio recognizes that while young students tend to have few preferences, older students’ needs can be more select. 

“If anyone above sixth grade has a request for clothes or anything, we let them pick out their own and we order for them using those funds,” said Dalessio. 

“We try to be very generous. I don't ask a lot of questions,” she added. “Nobody has taken advantage of the program yet.” 

Going forward, Dalessio hopes to continue to expand the resource closet and “just be able to meet more families’ needs.” 

Additionally, she encouraged those in need to come to the school and “shop” in person. 

“I think there's a little stigma around asking for help in person, and so it's easier for them to just be sent the goods rather than come here and get them themselves,” Dalessio said. 

“They don't have to be face-to-face with anyone but me,” she added. “Letting families know that I'll discreetly let them in the door, and they can come take what they need — that's my goal for the future.” 

For Dalessio, the satisfaction of the resource closet comes from the seeing students sport unused apparel, “so that they fit in with peers and can feel the pride that comes with having new clothes or new shoes.” 

“It’s my favorite thing that I do besides my job,” said Dalessio. 

“When kids feel good about themselves and they have basic human needs met, then they can learn and engage.”