The Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery
The Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery is a unique project that was started by a group of students from Grand Junction High School (GJHS) in Colorado. The project aims to provide free clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and other essentials to students and families in need. The boutique is open to anyone in the community who needs some help, and it operates with no questions asked.
The idea for the boutique came from a special class of students called the Agents of Change, who are part of a service learning advisory program at GJHS. The program allows students to research issues in the community and brainstorm solutions. The Agents of Change decided to create the boutique after realizing that many of their peers were struggling with basic needs that affected their learning and well-being.
The boutique is designed to replicate a fun, welcoming shopping experience, complete with shopping bags, comfortable chairs, and changing rooms. The students collect donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, and they sort, organize, and display the items in the boutique. They also manage the inventory, marketing, and operations of the boutique.
The impact of the boutique
The boutique has been a success since it opened in 2022, and it has served hundreds of students and families in the community. The boutique not only provides material support, but also emotional support and empowerment. Many of the customers have expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the boutique, and some have even become volunteers or donors themselves.
The boutique has also been a rewarding experience for the students who run it. They have learned valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. They have also developed a sense of social responsibility and compassion for others. The students have shown that they are capable of creating positive change in their community and beyond.
The future of the boutique
The boutique is not a one-time project, but a sustainable and ongoing initiative. The students plan to continue running the boutique as long as there is a need for it, and they hope to expand it to other schools and locations. They also want to inspire other students to join the service learning advisory program and create their own projects.
The boutique is always looking for more donations, volunteers, and partners to support its mission. Anyone who is interested in helping can contact the boutique through its website or social media pages. The boutique also holds special events throughout the year, such as the Fairy Godmother’s Closet, where students can shop for formal dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories for school dances.
The Tiger Boutique and Haberdashery is a remarkable example of how a group of high school students can make a difference in their community. The boutique is more than just a store, it is a symbol of hope, kindness, and generosity.
