WAVERLY – Members of the Waverly High School Retail Management class are hard at work at the Wolverine Community Cupboard and Peyton’s Closet.
Peyton’s Closet was opened in 2024 and named in memory of Peyton Shaw, a beloved Waverly student who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2023.
The thrift store offers everything from prom dresses and other formal wear to youth clothes, books and toys.
Through a grant from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and profits made at Peyton’s Closet, the Waverly Central School District also opened the Wolverine Community Cupboard in 2024.
The food pantry is open to the local community and currently serves around 50 families per week.
According to Kelly Altieri, who runs the Retail Management program at Waverly High School, students are in charge of all aspects of both operations. Each week they handle inventory, stocking shelves, receiving donations and more.
Altieri loves seeing the students take ownership of the food pantry and thrift store.
“I love it. Especially when they take charge. A lot of things we’ve done out here has been their idea. I tell them if you have ideas just tell me,” said Altieri. “They like the real world experience.”
According to Altieri, in addition to the public shopping at Peyton’s Closet, sometimes teachers in the Waverly Central School District will utilize the store to help their students who may need an item of clothing throughout the year.
The food pantry and thrift store are both open on Wednesdays from 8 to 11 a.m. and 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Chemung Innovation Center, located at 71 North Street in Chemung.
Photo Caption (L-R): Waverly High School students Elizabeth Moore, Heather Mattison and Madelynn Wortman working at the Wolverine Community Cupboard.