The vision for standardized dress or “school uniforms” in the Fort Worth ISD was to support a level playing field for all elementary school children. The beauty of the Children’s Closet is that we make this vision a reality. School uniforms are an equalizer in a classroom where students from many socio economic levels are represented.
Learn more about The Closet and its impact from The Children’s Closet ministry chair, Susan Hill.
There are many children in need of uniforms—an estimated 85% of students in FWISD. Last school year our Children’s Closet distributed over 16, 732 articles of clothing to children attending FWISD schools, and counselors are already telling us they expect the need to be much greater this year.
Volunteer Here Make a Gift
Our Mission
To live out the Gospel by providing school uniforms to children living at or below the poverty line within the Fort Worth Independent School District.
The Children’s Closet came together in response to specific requests by Fort Worth ISD counselors, who identified children in need of school uniforms at the beginning and throughout the school year. The Children’s Closet, a ministry of UCC, has answered this call by committing to provide part of the uniforms to every student for each of the elementary schools in FWISD including the four elementary leadership academies.
Thanks to the many gifts from the UCC Outreach budget, individuals and community partners (including the Paul E. Andrews, Jr. Foundation, the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, the Jeff D. Conatser Foundation, the Fallen Family Fund, Frost Bank, Muckleroy & Falls and individuals, Mary Lou and Sharon Rundell and Gerry and Don Houk), The Children’s Closet is able to provide extra shirts to over 2,000 students on top of 7,000+ uniforms distributed each year.
So, how can you help? You can give your time by helping fill orders, fold shirts and jeans, and unbox and organize inventory at our Closet. You can share your financial resources by making a gift to the Children’s Closet to sponsor a child’s uniform.
Sponsor Opportunities:
Gifts can be made online, or a check can be sent to the church with The Children’s Closet in the note.
If you’re interested in volunteering at the Closet or learning about other ways you can help this ministry, contact Susan Hill at [email protected].
Make a Gift
Quick Facts
-
Who We Reach
- 69 FWISD elementary schools
- 12 FWISD middle schools
- 2 Montessori Schools (K-8)
- SafeHaven Women’s Shelter
- Women’s Center
- INA
-
How Many Uniforms?
- Approximately 16,732 pieces of clothing distributed in 2021-2022
-
How We Fund It
- UCC Outreach budget of $75,000
- Endowments benefiting the Children’s Closet ministry, which generate more than $2,000 annually
- Unsolicited donations from UCC members over and above pledges
- Solicited donations from community partners
-
How We Distribute
- School Starter Kits
Because of COVID-19 our annual Bag-It-Night is cancelled for 2020. We will instead provide 40 Elementary Schools, identified by FWISD, with boxes of uniforms to start the year and distribute to students as needed. - School Year Distribution
FWISD school counselors can order additional uniforms throughout the year
through an online ordering system.
- School Starter Kits
-
How You Can Help
- Volunteer
Getting involved is easy and fun. The Children’s Closet is open Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00am–12:00pm to fill orders throughout the year. Volunteers wear face masks and practice social distancing. - Donate
Gift the cost of one uniform ($15), two uniforms ($30), or an entire classroom ($300)! Checks can be mailed to the church with The Children’s Closet in the memo line OR you can make a gift online.
- Volunteer
For more information about the Children’s Closet
Call: (817) 927-0868
Stay Up-to-Date
Keep on top of everything happening at University Christian Church.
Stay inspired and informed through our once-weekly emails.