HONESDALE, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — This week marks ‘National Health Center Week’ to recognize the vital work of health centers across the nation.
28/22 News stopped in Wayne County to find out how one health center is using the time to make sure the community and families are prepared for back to school.
Piles of new and gently used clothes are grabbed and folded on display in Honesdale.
“Pick up some clothes, shoes, household items, all free of charge,” said patient and community engagement director for the Wright Center for Community Health, Holly Przasnyski.
Tuesday’s free event inside the chamber building off Commercial Street is the Wright Center for Community Health’s ‘Community Closet’.
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“We see a lot of demand all over Northeast PA, especially with some of the local shelters closing and a lot of the financial strains you see with the back-to-school season,” explained Przasnyski.
This time of year can be hectic and expensive for families, between new clothes and school supplies.
“Remember in my day, it was your first day outfit and that was it, but today the children need different types of outfits for gym, sports, you know, jeans, dress up,” said director of development/relations at the Wright Center for Community Health, Geraldine McAndrew.
That’s why during the week of ‘National Health Care Center Week,’ The Wright Center is trying to ease the stress, hosting its community closet and offering backpack give-aways across NEPA all month long.
“A lot of kids get excited because they’re not feeling like they’re just getting a hand-me-down or something that somebody didn’t want. They actually get to be involved in their outfits,” said Przasnyski.
It gives families a chance to save a buck or two, while also getting kids excited to head back to class.
“Some of them aren’t happy they’re going back to school, but when they’re walking out with a new backpack and they put it on already, and the smiles. To me, that’s worth a lot of money,” said McAndrew.
The community closet on Commercial Street in Honesdale runs until two o’clock on Tuesday.
If you weren’t able to attend this afternoon’s event, The Wright Center has a list of future community closets and details on its backpack giveaways running all month long that can be found at The Wright Center.
