The Saxon Season of Thanks series highlights members of the community, including our own students, who are going above and beyond to help others.
It’s a familiar scene in any elementary school: a student spills on their shirt or has an unexpected accident and suddenly needs a change of clothes. Too often, they don’t have one.
That’s where Chris Warner’s behind-the-scenes generosity helps out.
Warner owns Second Hand Queens Consignment, a new consignment shop in downtown Hastings. She’s also a former Hastings Area School System staff member, having worked in multiple roles over nearly two decades. With four children who all went through the district, she still feels deeply connected to the schools even if she no longer works inside the buildings.
Warner regularly donates a wide variety of clothing to Hastings schools, with Southeastern Elementary receiving a lion’s share of the donations. On a recent pick-up trip, HASS’s Ashley VanBelkum stopped by Second Hand Queens to pick up yet another bundle of donations, including some winter coats, items with only small imperfections or ones that simply need a wash. Warner supplies them so schools can respond quickly to emergencies or help students who may not have adequate clothing.
These steady donations mean schools can keep a full range of sizes on hand, sparing kids from spending the day swimming in a pair of oversized sweatpants pulled from a nearly empty supply.
At Southeastern Elementary, the impact is especially clear. The school has been able to stock an entire room with clean, ready-to-go clothing for any situation.
“I’m so happy that I’m able to be a part of the district like this,” Warner said. “I saw the need for it during my time there.”
Her support extends beyond everyday emergencies, too. During a recent Daddy-Daughter Dance, Warner opened racks of free dresses, shoes, and accessories, ensuring every student could participate in the event without worry.
Her career shift into running a consignment shop has amused even her.
“Oh, I hate shopping,” she said with a laugh.
But as a mother of four, she developed a talent for thrifting and now that skill is helping her business and students across Hastings to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for.