LISD opens South Clothes Closet at FPMS

Story and photos by Lynette Haaland

The Leander ISD Council of PTAs opened its second Clothes Closet at Four Points Middle School on October 9 with a grand opening.

“The original LISD PTA Clothes Closet in Leander has been so successful we are opening a second location to meet the needs of our community,” said Paige Steen, LISD PTA volunteer and closet organizer. 

“Feels fantastic. It’s exciting. We’re ready to serve the southern end of the district,” said Dannielle Romero-Vazquez, LISD PTA volunteer and closet organizer.

Since 1990, the LISD PTA has provided gently used school clothes, along with brand-new underwear and socks, to any student residing in LISD boundaries. Any student can shop at the Clothes Closet. No vouchers are required and parents do not need to provide any income verification. Students may receive 10 outfits, two pairs of shoes and two coats per semester.

“I’m blown away by these volunteers with getting the southern end open,” said Anna Smith, LISD Board of Trustees Place 4. “The community came together with volunteers.”

Trish Bode, LISD Board president, echoed those comments and said, “it feels good to be able to do things like this again and get back to normal.”

Steve Crawford, FPMS principal, says clothes are only a beginning. The plan is to start distributing food kits starting mid school year and eventually build a small library at the site. He said ultimately they want to offer students a leadership course focused on philanthropy in conjunction with the site. 

Eventually the Clothes Closet will be inside room FPMS #1130 at 9700 McNeil Dr. 78750 after fire officials deem it okay. The volume of clothes did not meet the fire code so that issue is being worked out, Crawford said. 

The Clothes Closet will be open every Tuesday and first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. – noon and on the first and third Wednesdays 4:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. There is also a donation receptacle behind FPMS.