San Marcos High School creates program to provide clothes, care items for those in need in Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- San Marcos High School is partnering with the John C. Mithun Foundation to create a care closet for students in need.

The program is called the Royal Care Closet and it will help support students by providing personal care items, professional attire and basic needs.

The Mithun Foundation is a local family foundation that focuses on helping create a more vibrant, healthy and equitable community.

“We have a fair number of students who require assistance. Although there are a number of community organizations that can provide the necessary resources, transportation can become a huge barrier. By creating a closet at school, students can receive immediate assistance, feel supported and cared for, and inform school staff of additional needs,” shared Dr. Kip Glazer, SMHS Principal.

Glazer says in her previous district that she worked in, there were items such as vouchers to local clothing stores, grocery gift cards, auto repair shops and plumbers to help support students.

All students will be able to have access to this program on campus.

The high school will also collect data on who and what is needed to help provide for students and their families.

“This project is remarkable and uniquely meaningful to us as it directly benefits the students who most need support at SMHS. We, at the John C. Mithun Foundation, feel especially fortunate to be in the position to help the youth who have been especially hit hard during this pandemic,” shared a representative at John C. Mithun Foundation.

Garrett Headley, the Royal Pride Foundation Board President said, “We believe that having the appropriate clothing and basic hygienic supplies will boost students’ self-esteem. Students will be able to more confidently participate in their education because their basic needs were met and supported by their school,” added Headley.

For more information on the program, click here.