Struthers Middle School opens resource closet for students to grab necessities on the go
One Struthers teacher’s legacy for helping others is continuing to help the next generation of students this school year at Struthers Middle School in Mahoning County.
The new Ray Bernat Care Closet is stocked with food, hygiene products and clothing.
It’ll be open every day of the school week for students in the district to grab what they need on-the-go.
The closet is stocked thanks to donations from Ray Bernat’s children Sherry Bernat, Cindy Buchenic (Bernat), Ray Bernat Jr. and Renee Reyes.
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Care Closet Program also helped the Bernat family set up the closet in memory of Ray, who was a teacher from 1972 until 1996.
Ray Bernat
Bernat taught science and mathematics at both the middle and high school levels for 25 years.
“Our family has its roots in Struthers, and we’re also all in the education or medical field, so we deeply care and want to provide for these students and our community, so it only made sense to honor our father’s memory in this way,” said Bernat Jr.
He served as the president of the Struthers Education Association, as well as the boys and girls tennis coach at Struthers. He also taught Struthers Adult Basic Education courses for community members taking classes to obtain their GEDs.
His capacity to care for students was passed down to his two daughters, who are both teachers.
“He was the kind of person who would sneak food for his students or get them what they needed,” said Cindy Buchenic, one of Bernat’s children who teaches sixth grade at Struthers Middle School.
Students in the district will be able to get beverages, breakfast, snacks, lunch items, personal hygiene care, feminine products, body wash and deodorants.
Struthers apparel will also be available, including t-shirts, sweatshirts and sweatpants, as well as coats, boots and shoes, as requested.
Kielly Rapp, director of Early Learning at United Way, said the closet is designed to be kid-friendly.
“Care closets operate on a ‘grab-and-go’ basis, reducing the time and energy students might otherwise spend worrying about these basic needs,” said Rapp. “Teachers, counselors and nurses are great resources to be able to recognize the needs of their students and they can grab items for them, or send them down to pick something out.”
If individuals or businesses would like to contribute financially or donate nonperishable items, contact Tina Chance, director of Resource Development, at tchance@ymvunitedway.org.
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