PTA Wardrobe Decommissioned Spring 2011 – Please visit the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP) “Clothes Closet” in East Palo Alto
The PTA Wardrobe has been a resource for PAUSD families in need of clothing since 1934. The ski clothes rental program partially funded the Wardrobe with contributions from the PTA units making up the shortfall.
In Fall 2010 PAUSD let the PTA Council know that the portable housing the Wardrobe would have to be removed to make way for new construction at Jordan Middle School. While PAUSD offered other accommodations, the PTA Council Executive Board took the opportunity to reassess the Wardrobe’s purpose, function and efficacy. After much research and reflection the Wardrobe Chair and her team recommended decommissioning the Wardrobe and redirecting PAUSD families to an existing organization for both donating and receiving clothing. The team’s research led to the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP) in East Palo Alto whose clothes distribution center is a benchmark for quality and service.
In Spring 2011 the PTA Council voted to decommission the “bricks and mortar” Wardrobe. The usable clothes were packed up and donated to the EHP. The ski wear was sold at the Paly Flea Market on November 13th.
Historically many of the PAUSD schools donated their “lost and found” clothes or clothes left in the P.E. lockers at the end of the school year to the Wardrobe. Schools have been and continue to be free to donate those as they see fit, but we would encourage schools to contact the EHP “Clothes Closet” as EHP has shown itself to be a willing and helpful partner. They will come to the school and pick up donations.
We encourage PAUSD families who find they are in need of clothes and/or furniture to visit the Ecumenical Hunger Program (EHP) “Clothes Closet” in East Palo Alto.
From the EHP website: ehpcares.org/site/services
EHP distributes clothing, furniture, appliances, and household essentials, such as blankets, sheets, and dishes. Annually, over 4,000 visits are made, and 10,000 clients served, by EHP’s “Clothes Closet.” All goods are donations from the community. This program matches the donated resources of the donors to the needs of the clients… EHP also receives and distributes sofas, stoves, baby furniture, tables, and the like. EHP assists an average of 100 families each month with furniture or large appliances.
EHP can be contacted at:
Ecumenical Hunger Program
2411 Pulgas Avenue,
East Palo Alto, CA 94303-1322
(650) 323-7781
ehpcares.org
If you have any questions please contact our PTA Wardrobe Chair at ptawardrobe@paloaltopta.org