SOMERS, N.Y. - Where there’s a need, there’s a way to help.
With this belief in mind, Somers Central School District’s family liaison, Raisha Hernandez, established the Tusker Shop, a monthly opportunity for school families and other members of the Somers community to get things they need, free of charge.
Hernandez came up with the idea while working with local families.
“I volunteer at the community center in Katonah, and they also have a boutique that families can visit,” she said. “I realized we don’t have a similar boutique in Somers. Transportation is a problem for families getting to Katonah, but having a boutique here makes it easier for families who need to access it.”
Depending on what’s been donated, things available include clothes (infants to adults), children’s toys and books, household necessities, personal care items, and school supplies.
“Most of the items are coming from friends and family members of the schools,” Hernandez said. “Some of the items we get are brand new, still-packaged items. Others are gently used.”
The Tusker Shop is open from 9 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturday of every month. It’s located in Somers Middle School, 250 Route 202, Somers, N.Y. Visitors should use the side entrance near the parking lot.
Donations are accepted on days the shop is open, beginning at 8 a.m.
About a dozen customers came to the first Tusker Shop in November. Thanks to word of mouth, attendance had more than doubled by December.
“The families who came were so grateful. They filled up their bags with as many items as they needed,” Hernandez said. “I gave a little girl a bag and told her she could fill it with anything she wanted. She asked why everything was free. I told her it was because today was her special day to shop. She was thrilled to fill her bag.”
Weather permitting, the next Tusker Shop will be open on Feb. 1.
To donate or for more information, call Hernandez at 845-260-8502 or email her at rhernandez@somersschools.org.
Article courtesy of Somers Central School District.
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