CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The Chula Vista Elementary School District is helping families meet basic needs so kids can start the school year confident and ready to learn.
Located next to Otay Elementary School and the Rayo de Esperanza Family Resource Center, The Closet is a free resource that provides clothing and other essentials to families in need. Now in its second year operating at full capacity after a refurbishment, the program is already supporting hundreds of families.
“For better or for worse, we do live in a society that does make judgments off of folks’ appearance,” said Joshua Kohler, the district’s director of community schools. “This is a fantastic resource that allows families not to have to pick and choose between the increased cost of living bills and the appropriate sized pair of shoes.”
Families are often referred to The Closet through partnerships within the district. Kohler said the program is designed to give families a shopping experience while ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity.
Volunteers, including members of the Chula Vista Woman’s Club, help keep the program running. Debbie Benson, a longtime volunteer, said her group both organizes donations and contributes items directly.
“I think families are overwhelmed because I don’t think they really realize what to expect,” Benson said. “It just brings a lot of joy seeing the smiles on their faces when they have something like this.”
Last year, The Closet supported more than 300 families. So far this year, nearly 90 families have already received assistance.
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