WAUWATOSA, Wis. — The Wauwatosa School District partnered with the district’s parent teacher association to launch its first community closet and clothing drive. 

Community members came together Saturday to drop off new personal hygiene and household items and new or like-new clothing to be distributed to families and students in need. This included coats, jackets, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, body soap and more.

Wauwatosa School District Superintendent Dr. Demond Means said they want to expand access to resources for families. 

“Sometimes we think that young people are not wearing winter clothing because they are trying to be fashionable, but sometimes they just don't have the resources,” said Means. 

The Community Closet is funded in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Parent Teacher Association. Members of the PTA council applied for a grant from the Wisconsin PTA in October 2021, and were awarded $250 for the creation of the closet. The funds were used to purchase plastic bins, wardrobe racks, hangers and labels. 

“Our hope is that we can just fill up our closet and create an inventory and get that out to our schools and counselors and start handing out these items,” said Adrienne Burgoyne, the PTA council vice president. 

Amber Stroud, council president, said they saw an immediate need for families. 

“We started some little community pantries in different schools and those took off,” said Stroud. “We saw that there was a big need so it kind of propelled us to do a little bit more.” 

Community members in need will get to anonymously request specific items from the closet on behalf of the family or student. 

Questions about the Community Closet can be directed to Adrienne Burgoyne or Amber Stroud at tosacommunitycloset@gmail.com.