Families needing help within New Palestine Elementary School and the Community School Corporation of Southern Hancock County are getting a boost from one of their own. 

Stacy Bancroft and her husband, Kip, have made a dream become a reality with Stacy's Sharing Closet, which is a free shop located in the school's cafeteria.

"Kip and I have talked for many years about what we could do to give back to our community. The thought of a community clothing closet took root years ago. When we became empty nesters late August, we thought the time was right and felt the need was increasing," Bancroft told Giant FM. 

The closet is designed to help anyone in need of clothing for their child, regardless of circumstances. Bancroft told Giant FM they have provided clothing for families after fires, foster children and safe families.

"We are hopeful that parents will be more apt to use our closet when the need arises because it offers them a dignified, safe boutique like setting within our school to select clean, gently used or new clothing. It is hard enough to ask for help, so we want to make it as easy and welcoming as possible," the first grade teacher said.

Bancroft said it is a fairly simple process to get help.

"In some cases, the parents have contacted us and we set up a time to come into the closet. In other cases, teachers have identified a possible need and our school social worker has reached out to parents," she told Giant FM.

Bancroft said they are in need of donations of gently used or new clothing and it can be dropped off at New Palestine Elementary, New Palestine Jr. High or Sugar Creek Elementary. 

"We also accept new packages of socks, pajamas and underwear all sizes," she said. 

For more information, contact Bancroft at stacy@stacyssharingcloset.org or by visiting www.stacyssharingcloset.org.