PORT ALLEGANY — The Port Allegany High School gifted program and its advisor are offering a helping hand to students in need.

At Monday’s school board meeting, advisor Kimberly Bowser and four students in the program — Rylie Lawton, Taro Tanaka, River Cramer and Chloe Cramer —gave a presentation on their newest project, the Gator Closet.

The students started their presentation by explaining that almost 23 percent of the students in the high school are under the poverty line and almost 60 percent of students are on the list for free and reduced lunches.

Inspired by the needs of people observed while on vacation, Bowser came home with an idea for the project. The Gator Closet is a room available to any student in the high school who may need anything from food or toiletries to clothing or blankets. The room is locked at all times and the key is only obtained through one of the guidance counselors. They plan to allow only one student in at a time for the sake of privacy, no questions asked. Bags are provided to take whatever they need out.

Their vision is to see a school with no students in need, and for students to have access to anything they may need that their families can’t afford. Their goals include an expansion to the elementary school once the Closet at the high school has been started. They hope that students will take advantage of this Closet and get what they need.

The Gator Closet is accepting donations, both monetary and items. They are looking for a variety of items such as nonperishable foods, toiletries, a variety of sizes in clothing and winter gear, blankets, and especially shoes. The Gator Closet will be available through school hours, as well as after school if the child in need would prefer. Any help through donations is welcomed.