Westchester's Sharing Shelf Expands with Teen Boutique in Port Chester

Lina PortmanMay 29, 2024

0 3 minutes read

PORT CHESTER — Ruther Esther Gomez, a 17-year-old student at Greenburgh Academy in Yonkers, was excited to buy new threads — after all, she hadn't been able to afford new clothes in “a long time.” It's just not always feasible within their family's budget, and they don't always have access to helpful services.

The Teen Boutique at 47 Purdy Avenue in Port Chester aims to make clothing more accessible to Westchester teens like Gomez. The boutique is an extension of The Sharing Shelf, a nonprofit clothing bank whose mission is to provide free clothing to local children in need, and complements the organization's Teen Boutique pop-up program.

Founded in 2009, The Sharing Shelf grew from a basement in Rye to an 8,000-square-foot warehouse on Purdy Avenue. The addition of The Teen Boutique not only provides a genuine shopping experience, but also aims to boost customers' self-esteem.

Greenburgh students recently went shopping at The Teen Boutique for new sneakers, prom dresses and more.

Clothing insecurity is increasing in Westchester

Greenburgh Academy brings children to The Teen Boutique “a few times a month,” according to teacher’s aide Laura Azzone. “They can just pick out new clothes and have a shopping experience that many of them don’t usually have.” She says. The amount of variety is also nice, Azzone said, noting that the store is “really clean” and organized.

Clothing insecurity has increased in Westchester. In 2023, The Sharing Shelf received more than 5,500 applications for teen and children's clothing, a 300% increase from 2020.

“For many of these families, clothes for growing children, new school supplies and other basic necessities like new socks, new underwear and basic hygiene items become luxuries that they struggle to afford,” according to the organization’s website.

The story continues after the gallery.

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According to a press release from The Sharing Shelf, “children who do not wear their clothes well are more likely to be bullied by their peers and miss school,” clean clothes, the release states.

“The challenge we discovered is that teens need clothing not only during an event, but also during emergencies and special occasions,” said Deborah Blatt, founder and executive director of The Sharing Shelf.

The goal, Blatt said, is to create a space that teens would want to enter. With an $80,000 grant from the Impact100 Westchester program that covers rent and other expenses, Blatt was able to begin designing the store in June 2023. To give it the appearance of a quality boutique, clothing is presented by size and color and hung on custom hangers. .

“We really want to have a place where it looks like any store in a mall.” It’s a place that makes a teenager feel welcomed and empowered,” Blatt said.

The Sharing Shelf relies on donations to provide clothing to children under the age of 19 referred by more than 100 schools and nonprofit organizations. More than 75% of funding comes from individuals in the community. Shoppers can choose clothes twice a year in different categories ranging from leggings to jeans, t-shirts, prom outfits and more.

“We look forward to connecting with schools and nonprofits that work with low-income teens to learn about the store accessible to their students and customers,” Blatt said. “We’re excited to bring this new approach to combating clothing insecurity.”

The boutique can set up appointments with teens to get their outfit for prom, graduation or even a “spring or summer wardrobe,” Blatt said. Although the store does not work directly with families or individuals, those interested in learning more (in English or Spanish) about the services they provide can email [email protected] or call 914- 305-5950 to be put in contact with their community partners.

The ability to buy anything from leggings to prom dresses for free at the new store is worth more than the original cost of the clothes.

“It makes me feel good.” »Gomez said.

Helu Wang covers development and real estate for The Journal News/lohud and USA Today Network. Contact her at [email protected].

Lina Portman

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