Richard Molina, Chief Appraiser of the Cameron County Appraisal District presented a $1,000 to the HCISD Clothing Closet on October 7.
“Every year we have this fund where we raise money through teaching classes,” Molina said. “This was set up so we can have a Continuing Education and a Public Relations fund. For years we have been helping schools with Newspaper in Education. This whole school year is different, and the newspapers might not be a good idea, so we started thinking of other places we could make an impact. That is when we got in contact with Dr. Cavazos.”
Over the years, the Clothing Closet has expanded from a literal closet into a larger storage area that holds clothing, school supplies, and other miscellaneous items purchased or donated by local businesses, community members, and HCISD staff. These items are available by request for families who need them.
“We have been getting a lot of response from the community trying to help us out with clothes for the students,” Parental Involvement Social Worker Patsy Sanchez said.
However, new undergarments are always needed.
“A lot of people have donated gently used clothes, but we don’t take used underclothing,” Director of Parental Involvement and Dropout Prevention Dr. Jose Luis Cavazos said. “What we need right now is new underclothing, including socks.”
The funds provided by the Cameron County Appraisal District will be used to buy undergarments and other clothes and supplies to keep the Clothing Closet stocked with highly needed items.
“We take any donations, and the clothes go to Harlingen students,” Dr. Cavazos said. “We want to make sure that our students feel comfortable. That way they can do well in school.”
If you’d like to make a clothing or monetary donation, please contact the Parental Involvement Department at 956-427-3515.
