Chelsea Public Schools staff from the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex, Morris H. Seigal Clark Avenue Middle School and Central Office pictured with State Representative Judith Garcia at the Catie's Closet located at the elementary complex, which is accessible to all four schools at the complex.

CHELSEA, Mass. – On Tuesday, September 23, Chelsea Public Schools students, staff, school and district leaders and School Committee members gathered alongside legislative partners to celebrate a new partnership between CPS and Catie’s Closet. 

Catie’s Closet is an organization that gives children in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities so they can thrive in school and in life. Their vision is for every child to have access to the essentials that foster physical, emotional, and mental well-being. 

The launch event also featured the representatives from Catie’s Closet as well as the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.

The partnership with CPS will bring two “In-School Closets” to the district at the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex and the Morris H. Seigal Clark Avenue Middle School that will be stocked with clothing, toiletries and other necessities for students in need. A third closet at Chelsea High School will be unveiled later this school year. The hope is for this partnership to continue to grow and for Catie’s Closet to be available at all schools in the district.

Three Kelly School students and Principal Lisa Lineweaver pictured in the Catie's Closet at the elementary complex. Students and families from the Kelly School, along with the Berkowitz, Hooks and Sokolowski schools, will have access to Catie's Closet.

Dr. Abeyta commented, “We are so grateful to be partnering with Catie’s Closet. This collaboration allows us to provide students with the essentials they need to feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn each day. Together, we’re removing barriers for every child to thrive.”

The launch event, held at the in-school closet in the elementary complex, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with students and remarks from Catie’s Closet Co-Founder and CEO Mickey Cockrell, State Representative Judith Garcia, Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta, and Chief of Staff Dr. Aaron T. Jennings. Senator Sal DiDomenico also played an instrumental role in bringing this partnership to Chelsea.

“At Catie's Closet, we believe every child deserves access to the basics they need to show up and shine every day, and we are beyond thrilled to continue our mission with Chelsea Public Schools," says Mickey Cockrell, CEO and co-founder of Catie's Closet. "This is the beginning of a wonderful new partnership, and we look forward to breaking down barriers to education together.”

Students participated in the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open Catie's Closet! Students were joined by Catie's Closet Co-Founder and CEO Mickey Cockrell (left) and CPS Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta (right).

CPS and Catie’s Closet will be announcing information about the new in-school closet at Chelsea High School later this school year. 

About Catie’s Closet
Established in 2010, Catie’s Closet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that gives children in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities so they can thrive in school and in life. Through its In-School Closet Program and SOS Urgent Response Program, the organization improves the dignity, confidence, and educational outcomes of over 105,000 students. Catie’s Closet is available in more than 140 schools across 11 school districts in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, with distribution centers located in the Merrimack Valley, Boston, and Western Massachusetts. More information is available at catiescloset.org.