Valdosta City Schools is excited to introduce The Cat's Closet, formerly the Wildcat Wear Clothing Closet, now located beside the VCS Performing Arts Center.
The Cat's Closet provides clothing and other needed items to VCS students, parents, and staff in a welcoming and respectful environment. More than simply meeting a need, the goal is to make the experience feel comfortable, dignified, and more like shopping.
That vision is being led by our new McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Ms. Amiya Allen. A 2020 Valdosta High School graduate, Ms. Allen earned her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Fort Valley State University and her master's degree in Social Work from Valdosta State University. She also spent a year and a half interning with Valdosta City Schools before joining our team. Ms. Allen has brought great care and purpose to The Cat's Closet, creating a space where no one should feel singled out or ashamed for needing assistance.
The mission of Valdosta City Schools is to develop, empower, and support the whole child resulting in excellence for all. We understand that for our students to excel, basic needs must first be met. The Cat's Closet is one way we can help support our students and families beyond the classroom.
Shopping and donations are by appointment only; to schedule or learn more about what is available, visit: https://www.gocats.org/page/cats-closet
You can also take a look inside The Cat's Closet in our recent video:
We are thankful for Ms. Allen's passion for this work and for every individual, business, and organization that helps us continue caring for our Wildcat families.
Ms. Amiya Allen's email address: amiya.allen@gocats.org