RAPID CITY, S.D. — What started as an idea among a group of Central High School students has grown into a popular campus resource that provides free clothing while encouraging sustainability and community involvement.

The Central High School Thrift Club was created this school year by students who wanted to make clothing more accessible to their classmates while giving donated items a second life. The club, which is entirely student led, has already hosted five thrift store events on campus and continues to receive enough donations to keep its shelves stocked.

Heather Kiplinger, a physical science teacher and advisor for the club, said the students handled nearly every aspect of launching the organization. They met with school administrators, completed the necessary paperwork, secured a room and worked through the process of creating a new club.

The thrift store is free for students and relies primarily on clothing donations from students and staff. Donations are collected throughout the school year at multiple locations around the school, allowing students to easily contribute items they no longer wear.

Kiplinger said the club has several goals. In addition to helping students find everyday clothing, members also want to provide professional attire for students who may need clothing for work, interviews or other opportunities. The club also focuses on reducing waste by upcycling clothing that has not been selected by shoppers.

Students have transformed donated items by adding rhinestones, beads and belt buckles, and have experimented with bleach dyeing clothing. Club members hope to expand those efforts next year by creating their own branded tags for upcycled items.

Beyond providing clothing, the club has become a way to build connections among students. Kiplinger said students often share their finds with one another and celebrate new outfits together, creating a sense of community throughout the school.

One memorable success story involved a student who had recently experienced a growth spurt and struggled to find jeans that fit properly. During one of the thrift events, he found two pairs of jeans that fit him perfectly.

The club currently hosts its thrift stores during lunch periods and hopes to move to a first floor classroom next year to make shopping more accessible and potentially add fitting areas. Members also hope the concept can expand to other schools throughout the district.

Kiplinger encourages students interested in starting their own clubs to work closely with school administrators. She said administrators are often eager to support students who are passionate about creating new opportunities for their peers.

Community members interested in donating clothing can contact Central High School. Kiplinger said donations of all types are welcome, from casual clothing to professional attire, as the club continues working to provide students with clothing options for every occasion.