NILES — United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley opened its latest Care Closet at Niles Intermediate School, providing students with access to essential clothing, hygiene products, household items and food, the organization announced Wednesday.

The Care Closet, a dedicated room stocked with supplies available to all students, is part of United Way’s broader initiative launched in 2022 to support schools across Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

Since its inception, the program has established 27 closets across 10 school districts.

The Niles Intermediate School closet, the newest addition, was made possible through a partnership with Dinesol Plastics Inc., which sponsored the initiative.

“On behalf of Niles City Schools, we extend our sincere gratitude to United Way of Youngstown and Dinesol Plastics for the opening of the Care Closet at Niles Intermediate,” said Niles Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen.

“Their thoughtful contribution directly supports our students and their families, ensuring they have essential resources for a successful school year,” Thigpen said. “Our students can focus on their studies without worrying about these basic needs. Their dedication to our community is an inspiration, and it makes a tangible and lasting difference in the lives of our students. We are incredibly thankful for their partnership and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

The Care Closet program tries to alleviate barriers to education by providing students with critical resources, allowing them to focus on their academic success. United Way’s ongoing efforts in the region continue to address community needs through partnerships with local businesses and schools.