Layla Bolden hangs up a shirt at the Wildcat Wardrobe. Two years ago, Bolden turned her room into a place J.H. Williams students can grab what they need for a school day, should the need arise.
Along with uniforms, and other donated items, Layla Bolden has collected shoes.
One cabinet in Layla Bolden’s room at J.H. Williams, known as the Wildcat Wardrobe, is full of school supplies.
Wildcat Wardrobe has it: J.H. Williams students able to obtain needed items during year
It’s still early in the summer, so kids definitely don’t want to think too much about returning to school.
However, when the year does begin in August, should a student at J.H. Williams Middle School in Abbeville need something for school on a given day, he or she won’t have to think about where to find it.
For the past two years, the Wildcat Wardrobe at J.H. Williams has provided students with various necessities that may arise during a school day. Layla Bolden, the school’s behavior interventionist, helped organize the effort.
“Two years ago, I converted my room to a one-stop shop for all our students,” Bolden said. “I can honestly say at one point or another, I have probably provided some form of item to almost every kid in our school. Whether it was a kid who spilled milk on themselves, fell in the mud during recess, lost everything in a house fire, or fell on hard times and couldn’t afford particular items. They always knew they could come to my room and grab whatever they needed…no questions asked.
“It was theirs to keep.”
As it is the summer, it’s the perfect time to help replenish the Wildcat Wardrobe.
“As you clean out your kids’ closet this summer,” Bolden said, “please consider donating any gently used school uniforms to provide for my Wildcat Wardrobe,” Bolden said.
Items donated must be those that the Vermilion Parish School System has already approved. Among the middle-school-aged items, Bolden said are needed include:
• tops
• bottoms
• belts
• shoes
• solid sweatshirts (no graphics)
• book-sacks
Bolden added that school supplies can also be donated.
“Teachers can come in and grab whatever they need,” Bolden said.
One cabinet in Bolden’s classroom sat empty. It’s the food cabinet that has been cleared out for summer.
“That’s stuff (students) can take home during weekends or holidays,” Bolden said of the process during the school year. “It’s kind of a food pantry that we have.
Anyone interested in contributing any items to the Wildcat Wardrobe can contact Bolden via email at laylabolden@icloud.com. She also will make posts on social media.
“My Facebook posts and following never disappoint,” Bolden said. “Anytime I need something, they come through.”
Bolden thanked all who have stepped up.
“Shout out to everyone who has donated to my room,” Bolden said. “From complete strangers, our very own teachers, admins, and parents. You’ve always shown up when needed.”
That helps ensure that students have what they need when they need it.
“Students know that if they need something,” Bolden said, “go to Mrs. Layla’s class. She’s got it. At least 90% of these kids have gotten something.”
