The KIDS COMMUNITY CLOSET is our community service project which provides uniform components, underwear, socks, personal care items and school supplies as emergencies arise, to children in selected Title One Palm Beach School District elementary schools. With the opening of three new Closets in August, 2016, we will have Closets in eleven schools with a total enrollment of 7582 children.
In addition, we have a special closet for the 3000 homeless children and 800-1000 foster care youth attending Palm Beach Schools who receive services through the McKinney-Vento Program (a federal program) that is part of the Safe Schools Division of the School District. That Closet, housed in a portable classroom building on the grounds of the Lincoln Elementary School in Riviera Beach, provides underwear, socks, blankets and much needed personal care items.
We now have a partnership agreement with In Jacob’s Shoes, a non profit based in Margate, founded by Harlene Zweig in memory of her late son, Jacob Zweig, to provide sneakers for all of our Kids Community Closets.
All of the items provided are at no cost to the recipients, and are theirs to keep.
We are grateful to Sheila G’s Brownie Team, the Ballen Isles Charitable Foundation, and our members for their support that has allowed us to expand to serve so many children in need.
This is just one of the notes we received in appreciation of our Kids Community Closet project
From Lisamarie Wear, Lake Park Elementary School:
There is no way to convey how much the KCC positively impacts our school. You have to see it to believe it! I am fortunate to get to see it every time we can assiston one of our students and their families in need. Your organiztion is an example of how community partnerships should be. You are fulfilling one of the MOST basic needs. Maslow’s hierarch of needs teaches us that in order for an individual to be successful academically they first must feel safe, secure and loved. You allow us to do just that by giving them clothing items they do not have and really need. It sets the groundwork for success. Self-esteem is increased and relationships are built. This allows for a strong foundation facilitating mutual respect and the pathway for better outcomes among all stakeholders.