How Does Cougar Cares Help?

8/29/2026 12:02 am

GIVING CLOSET
Cougar Cares helps the Counseling Center keep a pantry stocked with essentials like snacks, school supplies, personal care items, and clothing basics, allowing students to get what they need easily and discreetly.

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SUPPORT BEYOND CHS
Holiday breaks can be tough for students who count on the structure of school for meals and other needs. Ahead of long weekends and longer breaks, Cougar Cares throws open the doors of the Giving Closet with giveaway events (open to all CHS students) offering food, clothing, shoes, winter gear, personal care products, and special treats. Students can take whatever they need for their time away from school.

FRUIT & SNACKS
Boy, teens are hungry! Cougar Cares helps the Counseling Center and Nurses' Office keep always available snacks on hand for anyone who needs a boost. Fresh fruit is by far the favorite. (Huge thanks to MEND NJ for supplying CHS with several cases of apples and oranges every single week.) Baskets of fruit are strategically positioned around the school — and are emptied almost as soon as they're refilled!

PROM SHOP
Senior Prom is in June, but before that, the CHS HSA Prom Shop pops up every spring to help our seniors look amazing and feel incredible as they dance the night away. Everything is FREE and open to all CHS students.

Prom Shop will start accepting donations of dresses, tuxes, shoes, and purses in January. Then the real magic happens in March and April when parent and student volunteers sort, set up, work the shop, and assist with alterations so every student looks their best at prom.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Financial assistance for senior activities is available through the district for those who qualify, but Cougar Cares helps fill in the gaps for additional families by providing aid for things like yearbooks, caps and gowns, and prom tickets. HSA donations fund Cougar Cares' mission to provide discreet, stigma-free support to students who need it.

SUMMER FOOD SUPPORT
Summer school days are long ... and the district doesn't provide breakfast or lunch. Cougar Cares helps keep snacks and drinks on hand so that hunger doesn't get in the way of learning.

EMERGENCY FUNDS
The need for support in our CHS community doesn't end in June or when a student heads home after school. Cougar Cares helps CHS families with emergency aid for unanticipated needs and grocery store gift cards throughout the year.