I first became aware of Pat when my daughter left for law school. She took the clothes and shoes she wanted and left the rest for me to bag up and donate.
I had seen a flyer at a local store in Redlands for “Angel’s Closet” so I called to find out what it was all about. I impressed when Pat Williams called me back and told me about the program she runs.
Redlands East Valley High School (REV) in Mentone, CA. has given her 3 large classrooms at the school. She gave me a tour of her shop. The first classroom has all the incoming clothing, shoes, underwear, purses, jewelry, wallets, etc. The second classroom has formals, tuxedos, suits, shoes, socks, sports coats, shirts, dress pants for both girls and boys. They also collect caps and gowns for graduating seniors. The third classroom is filled with everything a student could use; coats, jeans, tops, purses, shoes, socks, wallets, jewelry, etc.
I asked her how this program works. These items, new and slightly worn, are cleaned, ironed, hung on display racks just like a store, and students from any of the local high schools can come and pick out 2 outfits each visit. I asked how the students are deemed eligible and she told me if a parent, teacher, counselor, principal, minister or social worker calls her and gives her the students name, they are eligible.
Pat also collects donations and she drives to the local mall and shops at “Torrid”. Pat selects clothing for sizes that she does not have in her store. She also goes to businesses that are closing and asks them to donate to her store. I saw about 100 pairs of new tennis shoes still in the boxes, Reebok and Nike that had been donated. She also gets backpacks for the students.
I took 16 bags of clothing and shoes to her store. She was so pleased and shared several heart wrenching stories about reaching out to the kids. She had me crying when she told me that she had just found out a girl at a local high school did not get to walk with her class as she could not afford the $38 fee for the cap and gown. Pat felt awful and said she would have given the girl the $38 if she had known. Her program had been started to make sure things like this never happen. The student had beaten the odds and was graduating with a 4.0 GPA but did not walk with the graduating class. I said someone dropped the ball on this situation and it should have never happened. So many business owners would have also reached out to help. Pat says she hopes word of her program gets out to more community leaders hence more people will donate and send students to her that are in need of assistance.
Last month, I donated another 5 bags of clothes and while I was there, a family showed up with a student and she looked so excited to be going inside to try on clothes and pick out several outfits.
Pat Williams is truly a wonderful person who works full time making sure that all the students from the local high schools get new clothes and also getting a new haircut as well. We know how important it is to have high self esteem. It is so important to get these kids through high school and on their way to college so they will become healthy and happy adults.
Many wonderful business and civic leaders assist Pat with events. In September 2011, there had a fund raiser tea held at “Martha Greens-The Eating Room”.
This is Pat on the left at Martha Greens.
On Nov. 6th, there was a Cut-a-thon held at “Technicolour Salon” to donate funds for Pats cause. Due to the cold weather and rain, Pat is asking for people to send her Payless Shoes Gift cards for the students. Look for warm coats and donate so the students can get to school dry and warm. There is no more bus service for high school so many have to walk.
Pat Williams is truly an inspiration to us all. Of course there are many causes out there but I feel we need to look in our own backyard first. What could be more important that helping our students get a moral boost to help them get through school, attend the Senior Prom in a beautiful prom dress/ Tuxedo or Suit?
Anyone interested in donating clothing or funds can contact Pat Williams at angelscloset08@aol.com. Send her an email and she will email or call you back. Her Facebook page is “Angel’s Closet Charities”
*Also anyone knowing of someone who is in need of her assistance, contact her and give her the information.
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