What began as a service-learning project rooted in empathy has grown into one of the most impactful student-led resources on campus. Care Closet is more than a space; it is a powerful example of what happens when students are empowered to turn compassion into action.
Care Closet originated in Ms. Bruns’ Service-Learning class, where students explore the Eight Dimensions of Wellness and develop nonprofit business ideas designed to address real-world needs. The project challenges students to identify issues within their community and respond with purpose-driven solutions, culminating in a Shark Tank–style pitch to community leaders that blends empathy, entrepreneurship, and service.
As Ms. Bruns explained, “One of my biggest passions as a teacher is empathy, and I want to embed it in every experience I lead. I want students to feel empowered to turn their empathy into something that can change their community.”
That mindset sparked what would become Care Closet.
During her sophomore year, Madilyn Thompson identified a need she saw impacting her peers: access to basic necessities. Her service-learning project was designed to ensure students could receive support.
“I wanted to create a space where students could get what they need with dignity, privacy, and without judgment,” Madilyn shared.
Her idea advanced beyond the classroom and into the D. Russel Lee Shark Tank Pitch Competition, hosted by Entrepreneurship Coordinator Jeremy West, where she earned top recognition and the opportunity to bring her vision to life.
Using the momentum from the competition, Madilyn helped establish a dedicated space inside the Entrepreneurship Center, transforming her service-learning project into a tangible and sustainable resource. Today, more than a year later, Care Closet provides students with clothing, shoes, feminine care products, dental care items, interview attire, and other essential items at no cost.
Care Closet continues to thrive through collaboration and shared leadership. With support from Success Liaison Karissa Uhl and Entrepreneurship Center aide Emily Smith, who manages the space during the school day, the program operates consistently and reliably for students. Madilyn remains involved in planning and coordination behind the scenes while balancing her academic responsibilities.
Project LIFE supports the program by washing donated clothing weekly, ensuring items are clean and ready for students. The student Clothing Manager, Evelyn Rosales, a Project LIFE student, oversees this process while building real-world skills in organization, communication, responsibility, and leadership.
Through community partnerships, donations, and grant support, Care Closet has continued to grow. In just one year, the program has supported hundreds of students, helping remove barriers that can interfere with learning and overall well-being.
The long-term vision is to expand Care Closet onto every Butler Tech campus and eventually into partnering districts, ensuring students across Butler County can focus on learning without worrying about access to necessities.
Care Closet stands as a powerful example of service learning in action, where empathy becomes leadership and student ideas create lasting impact.
Those interested in supporting Care Closet through donations or partnerships are encouraged to contact Emily Smith at smithe@butlertech.org.
Care Closet Volunteers L-R: Clara Jamison, Madilyn Thompson (Founder), Amora Higgins
Evelyn Rosales, Clothing Manager & Project LIFE Intern
