EMS Closet exists to provide clothing to children living in poverty in Richland Districts One & Two. Lack of clothing is one of the top 10 reasons students miss school. Having access to adequate clothing and basic necessities helps improve students’ school attendance, social and emotional well-being, behavior, and ultimately their academic outcomes. Children and teens who are clothing insecure are more likely to endure bullying and drop out of school. Social anxiety and being bullied are also common reasons students avoid school. Clothing insecurity leads to school absences which impacts a child’s academic success and erodes their self-esteem.

Our mission is to ensure children in grades K-12 will have the everyday essentials they need to flourish and thrive in school and beyond.