The Lion Locker: Red Lion H.S. offers free clothing, hygiene items for students in need

LeAnn Trembly has been a math teacher at Red Lion Senior High School for 10 years.

Like many teachers, she has formed bonds with her students, and she's a trusted adult they can go to for advice, or to talk about their lives outside of the classroom.

She realized that some of her students did not have access to hygiene products, a coat for winter, or proper attire for mock professional job interviews, a required activity for seniors to complete in order to graduate.

With over 1,400 students in the building, Trembly thought of a way to meet the needs of many students − the school administration agreed and gave her the green light.

What is the Lion Locker?

In the fall of 2022, the Lion Locker, housed in an old art room, started out as a classroom with two wooden clothing racks, built by Red Lion workshop students.

Not an actual locker, but a classroom filled with clothes, shoes, backpacks and supplies, the Lion Locker was a way to offer seniors a space to borrow professional attire for their mock interviews. Shortly after, Trembly received feedback that the locker should offer items that students could wear and keep.

"A lot of the feedback was: this is great, but we also need hoodies, jeans, clothes for gym," she said.

She sent an email blast to building staff, and within a few days the amount of donations she received was overwhelming.

"Everything in here is donations from staff, and we're starting to get donations from the community."

Not long after, Trembly noticed another need: hygiene products. Students began to request toothpaste, deodorant, which are now offered, in addition to socks, backpacks and water bottles.

The Lion Locker now has over 10 racks of professional attire, formal gowns, sneakers, socks, backpacks, suits and more, and it's open to all senior high students.

Last spring, the Lion Locker hosted its first prom dress and suit drive for seniors, and the second was held several weeks ago. A local York boutique even donated $6,000 worth of brand-new prom gowns to the prom drive.

"It was great because the girls get that shopping experience, and they don't have to worry about the stress of not being able to afford a gown."

A staff member also offers low-cost alterations in the building during the day, so students can have their clothes fixed to fit perfectly.

"The generosity of people in the community has been overwhelming." By word of mouth, the Lion Locker is growing. For Trembly, seeing students' faces light up when they find a dress for prom, or a hoodie they love, is a phenomenal feeling.

Lauren Beard, president of Red Lion ROARS, a nonprofit that offers development opportunities for recreation, arts, music, events in the Red Lion area, has recognized Trembly's efforts through social media.

"Initiatives like the Lion Locker exemplify what makes Red Lion so special," Beard said. "By identifying a critical need and rallying the support to address it, the Lion Locker and Red Lion Area School District are paving the way in providing wrap-around services to learners, families and the school community."

How to donate

Members of the community who are interested in donating gently used clothing or hygiene products are encouraged to call Red Lion Senior High School at (717) -246-1611 for more information.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Red Lion PA H.S. offers free clothing, hygiene items for students