CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC The Bobcat Boutique, which was launched earlier this year by the Marshalltown High School Student Senate, is set to reopen for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

At the beginning of 2025, the Marshalltown High School Student Senate launched a new venture: Bobcat Boutique, an enterprise that allows students to borrow clothing and accessories of professional and formal attire. It returns for the 2025-26 school year, with efforts led by Student Senate Advisor/Spanish instructor Charlotte Santana.

“We’re just in a little corner of the makeup/changing area of the high school, and so space is a hot commodity in the building with construction and classrooms, and so we kind of just have our little corner,” she said. “From January until the end of the school year, we were able to help about 22 students either attend a job interview with the appropriate attire or attend one of our formal events feeling confident and like they had everything that they needed to just enjoy the experience.”

Those interested in shopping at the boutique can fill out an appointment request (found in the students’ Bookmarks online). But, Santana points out, some pupils may need last minute assistance too.

“Some kids feel really restricted by their schedule. So we thought we could also do a drop in style, on a few school days as well, just to kind of give them that flexibility,” she said. “It would be immediately after school or a Saturday or a Sunday. That’s new for this year.”

The boutique was recently reorganized, and Santana said these needs were determined:

• Homecoming dresses (short in style)

• Women’s shoes especially size 9 and up

• Closed-toed women’s shoes

• Men’s two-piece suits, especially in small and medium sizes

• Men’s dress shoes, all sizes

• Women’s dress pants sizes 4-6

Donations of items can be made at the high school’s main office (door one, buzz in) during school hours (start time 8:25 a.m., dismissal time 3:25 p.m.).

“We have a pretty cool system where the office will call me down or call and tell me we’ve got a box or a bag. And then usually I can find a student Senate kid to go retrieve it. And then it kind of chills in my room until the next ENR (enrichment time),” Santana said.

The Arts + Culture Alliance, an early sponsor, is also allowing donations to be dropped off at its office, 126 W. Main St., Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and by appointment.

“We supported the initiative with a $1,500 grant,” said Alliance Executive Director Amber Danielson. “The Arts + Culture Alliance is a proud sponsor of the Bobcat Boutique. We have been alongside the students since the development of this idea over a year ago and we are thrilled to continue supporting this innovative student-led initiative. The Arts and Culture Master Plan highlights the importance of elevating youth and this is a prime example of the magic that happens when we allow our youth to lead.”

Students sort through donations. Those not accepted are donated to Second Chance Thrift Store on Third Avenue. Santana added that Bobcat Boutique has a “purposeful collaboration” with the thrift store.

“If a student goes through our boutique and can’t find their size, can’t find exactly what they need, I’m able to send them with a voucher to Second Chance and they are allowed to shop free of charge for those items,” she noted.

The thrift store has also donated dresses to the boutique.

“And 90% of what they offer to us is beautiful. Whatever we decline to take it just goes on their clearance rack,” Santana said. “That collaboration is very strong.”

She said this school year she’d like to see the boutique available to Miller Middle School students.

For more information, Santana may be reached at: csantana@marshalltown.k12.ia.us. The high school office may be reached at: 641-754-1130 and the Alliance at: 641-752-2787.