Belpre schools offer supplies through ‘Clawset’ exchange program
Belpre High School guidance counselors Michael Seebaugh and Sarah Knuchel, in the “Clawset,” as they prepare for a new year. (Photo by Ashley Knight)
The “Clawset,” fully stocked with goods ready for kids to make use of. (Photo by Ashley Knight)
The banner waving an invite above the door of the “Clawset.” (Photo by Ashley Knight)
Belpre High School guidance counselors Michael Seebaugh and Sarah Knuchel, in the “Clawset,” as they prepare for a new year. (Photo by Ashley Knight)
The “Clawset,” fully stocked with goods ready for kids to make use of. (Photo by Ashley Knight)
The banner waving an invite above the door of the “Clawset.” (Photo by Ashley Knight)
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BELPRE -- Belpre City Schools is offering its students and families access to clothes and essentials through a program called The "Clawset."
The "Clawset" is located in Belpre High School and is operated by guidance counselors Michael Seebaugh and Sarah Knuchel.
Before the pandemic, Seebaugh noticed the need of students who were experiencing housing insecurity, or "couch surfing," and was given one space at a time to create what became the "Clawset," offering clothes, food, hygiene items, shoes and school supplies.
"Leveling the playing field is what we are trying to do," Seebaugh said.
Sifting through the donations, Seebaugh and Knuchel hold onto the more up-to-date styles for the kids. They also buy for the "Clawset," include pre-packaged backpacks and hygiene sets.
"We have a lot of families who are just relocating from out of state or different counties who just need enough to get them through," said Seebaugh.
The "Clawset" is what Seebaugh called a "supply exchange, taking what is needed and dropping off what isn't." Students don't need permission to enter the supply exchange, but can also ask one of the counselors or a teacher to access the "Clawset." Leaving it open at all times helps those who need it, he said.
"Our goal is to always involve our students in what goes on in here," said Seebaugh. "The February before the pandemic we were able to take a field trip with our eighth-grade student council and band to tour a food pantry operation, so our students could see how everything circulates. There were a dozen on that field trip who got to see how the other half got to live.
"Involving students in the 'Clawset' food drives helps to circulate new goods. It's in need of volunteer students to help keep track of what needs to go and what can stay.
"We are just one segment to the … resources in the community," said Seebaugh. "A lot of the programming coming from the government for a specific segment of people. My concern is always for someone who is working and trying but doesn't have everything they need, and that's a big segment," he said.
"One student reminded me what it means to give back, writing me a note that said 'Thank you for making me feel human,'" said Seebaugh as he spoke of the rewards of his position.
"The community is a big help and I wish they would get recognized for the big part they play," said Seebaugh.
When overflow happens at the "Clawset" they become "just another distribution point," giving the community a place to donate their used goods to be circulated through the community. Seebaugh and Knuchel handle the behind-the-scenes responsibility inside the network of resources offered by the community, just operating inside the school. In light of the recent reduction in clothing vouchers, this may prove to be the very resource the community member may need to sink their "claws" into.
The "Clawset" is set up to receive donations at any time. For more information, call Seebaugh or Knuchel at the school at 740-423-9000.
Ashley Knight can be reached at aknight@newsandsentinel.com