Care Closet for Students Opens at Struthers Middle School

STRUTHERS, Ohio – Students in Struthers schools now have a new resource due to the donation of a city family and the support of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Care Closet program.

The Ray Bernat Care Closet is open at Struthers Middle School and is stocked with food, hygiene products and clothing. It will be open every day of the school week for students in the district.

“Our teachers are on the forefront of seeing the needs of our students, and they are very giving of their time and resources, but they can only provide so much on their own,” said Dave Vecchione, Struthers Middle School principal. “So we’re grateful for the Bernat family who has stepped in to help fill this void and make this resource available, providing for students who may need these essential items.”

In memory of Ray Bernat, a former Struthers teacher for nearly 25 years, the care closet was made possible through a donation by his children, Dr. Ray Bernat Jr. and his wife, Sherry; Cindy Buchenic; and Renee Reyes. 

Bernat taught science and mathematics at both the middle and high schools. He served as the president of the Struthers Education Association and was the boys and girls tennis coach. He also taught Struthers Adult Basic Education courses for community members taking classes to obtain their GEDs.

“Our father loved this community and his students,” said Buchenic, a sixth grade teacher at Struthers Middle School. “He was the kind of person who would sneak food for his students or get them what they needed.”

Ray Bernat Jr. said it made sense to honor their father’s memory with the care closet.

“Our family has its roots in Struthers, and we’re also all in the education or medical field, so we deeply care and want to provide for these students and our community,” he said.

Care closets reduce “the time and energy students might otherwise spend worrying about basic needs,” said Kielly Rapp, director of early learning at the United Way.

“Teachers, counselors and nurses are great resources to be able to recognize the needs of their students, and they can grab items for them or send them down to pick something out,” Rapp said.

Individuals or businesses that would like to contribute to the care closet financially or through nonperishable donations can email Tina Chance, director of resource development at the United Way, at [email protected].

Pictured at top: From left are Dave Vecchione, Kielly Rapp, Sherry Bernat, Cindy Buchenic, Tina Chance and Struthers City Schools Superintendent Pete Pirone.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.