JAY — High school students are already styling in some of the good-quality used clothes to be offered free at On The House. They’re hoping the idea catches on and others will do the same.

Members of the Jay Active Youth, parents Jessica Bessey, Tammy Deering and Tina Bonnevie, among other volunteers, have set up a store in three rooms downstairs at the Jay Community Building. Community members, businesses and students themselves have donated items for the venture.

The idea was generated last year by middle school secretary Kim Cook, school nurse Jackie Kilbreth and high school business teacher Linda Davis.

The youth group took over in April and helped bring it to fruition.

They will hold a grand opening, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. The youth group will provide popcorn and cider to customers during the event.

The regular operating hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon each Saturday. Donations may be dropped off then. They accept clean, gently used clothing bagged or boxed. They do not accept items with holes, stains or missing buttons.

In one area there are sweaters and tops stacked on a table, socks, scarves, bathing suits and other items on shelves and clothing hanging from a round rack next to a display of bike helmets.

In the second room, there are shoes, some new from G.H. Bass, and others from a bridal shop that can be dyed. Shirts and jeans are folded and displayed on shelves. There are also baby clothes and winter jackets.

Belts, jewelry, pajamas, boots, hats and many brand name items are among the inventory.

Moore and Britni Hutchinson, a senior, painted a picture of a house on the wall with clothing hanging from a clothesline.

“Whether you want it or need it, it’s on the house,” student Lexie Deering said.

Jessica Bessey had Googled free on the Internet and a bunch of words came up. The kids came up with a name from those.

They considered Free Tree, On The House and Free Store.

On The House was selected.

“It’s a play on words,” Emily Acritelli, another student, said.

And very creative, freshman Scottie Hall added.

“This is for a good cause because it’s tough times, and this provides a chance to recycle,” senior Bethany Moore said. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasurer.”

Part of being a member of Jay Active Youth is community service, student Samantha Hutchinson said. She and others enjoy it because they get to work with friends and they see there is a need, she said.

“It’s cool. It’s free,” Hutchinson said.

“We’ve enjoyed it. It’s fun,” student Nate Shink said. He is one of about 20 members who have worked on the project.

They’ve learned a few things along the way, including how to fold, hang and organize clothes, Tammy Deering said.

It was a job, Tina Bonnevie added.

“It feels good having the project come together,” student Kristy Macomber said.

It’s cheaper than going to a store, Ashlee Quirrion, a junior, said.

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Go and Do

WHAT: On The House, offering good, used and new clothing and accessories for free.

WHERE: Jay Community Building

WHEN: Grand opening 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.

STORE HOURS: Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon. Donations may be dropped off then. Hangers and shopping bags needed.