Parker High Social Studies teacher Deri Wahlert is surrounded by some of the staff and PTSA funded clothing in the Parker Closet, for impoverished students.
JANESVILLE — Times are tough for many, but most of us don’t know the ache of a teenager whose parents can’t pay the rent, whose electricity is turned off, who don’t have proper clothing.
Those are daily problems for some Parker High School students, and that’s why staff members have joined an effort to ease the pain of poverty.
It’s called Parker Closet, named for the stores of donated clothing and toiletries stored in teacher Deri Wahlert’s room.
When staff members find out about a need, they refer the student to Wahlert, who lets the student pick through the items. Wahlert also might get bus tokens or send an appeal to staff to fill special needs, such as a bicycle.
One girl who benefited from the program said her family’s gas and electricity were turned off, so staff arranged for her to shower at school.
“We have no heat. We have no hot water. But we’re working very well with it. We have a space heater,” the girl said.
She said her mother recently got a seasonal job after going through surgery. Her mom’s boyfriend is working “24/7” to keep the family afloat. An understanding landlord lets them make payments until they can catch up on rent.
They got the heater because her little sister suffers from migraines that can be triggered by the cold, the girl said. They’re waiting to hear if they can get heating assistance from the state.
The sisters still have needs, such as underwear and “girl things,” she said.
“I would really like to get a job to help my sister out,” she added.
They received sweaters, a coat, shampoo and tissues from Parker Closet.
“My mom just appreciates it so much,” the girl said.
The girl said it’s difficult for her to handle the situation, and sometimes she vents her feelings at school.
“I stress a lot, but my teachers are very helpful,” she said.
Parker Closet is kept quiet so as not to embarrass the students.
Twelve students have been helped so far this year.
“I think that’s a lot, and as the year goes on, I think we’ll find more and more students who have this need,” as economic woes deepen locally, Wahlert said.
Some of the students’ families are homeless. Others are close to it. Some have lost jobs, or child support has dried up.
Wahlert said she was touched by two brothers who got help from Parker Closet. Their family is struggling to provide the basics, including rent. She asked the boys what their mother might like for Christmas.
They thought about it, and all they asked for was a Christmas card from the two of them.
TO HELP
Anyone wishing to support the efforts of Parker Closet may contact Deri Wahlert at (608) 743-5804.
POVERTY RISING
The percentage of Parker High School students whose families are considered low-income under federal guidelines is on the increase.
More than 30 percent, or 482 students, were receiving free or reduced-priced lunches at Parker as of Oct. 31, the district reports. Most of those—387—qualified for free lunch.
Last school year, 435 students received free or reduced-price lunches.