Staff members at Woodrow Wilson High School in El Sereno created a closet filled with free essential items and clothing for students.
“This closet started just two years ago. But the idea of it started back in 2011 when Ms. Seamans and myself saw a need for prom dresses during prom season. And so every year, we would start on this mission to try and locate dresses for our girls,” said Elsa Gutierrez-Aviles, college counselor at Woodrow Wilson High School.
What began as a simple need for prom dresses for students has transformed into something even greater; a closet that has all kinds of items, from hygiene kits to school supplies to clothes, for students and families in need.
“We’re a community school. So we did do a needs assessment. And our students did say that they wanted a closet, especially after COVID, they had a bigger need,” said Elizabeth Seamans, community schools coordinator at Woodrow Wilson High School.
It’s called the “Mule Closet”, named after the school mascot.
Any student or family who needs clothes, school supplies or essential items can go to the closet during lunch or after school and pick out an item. And all the items are free.