Hello, my name is Jennifer Roventini-Jensen. I am the program coordinator for The Clothing Closet(s), which are located in Sonoma County, California. The program provides free clothing to the students of Analy High School in Sebastopol, Laguna High School, and The Academy of Innovative Arts, located in Forestville, on the El Molino campus.

This program aims to provide essential clothing items to students in need, ensuring that every student has access to proper attire for school as well as other important activities such as job interviews, formal dances, and extracurricular activities and hobbies.

The Closets are available to students upon request and as needed during school hours, in addition to opening to all students during lunch 1-2 days per week.

This program strives to provide students in need with appropriate clothing to ensure they can focus on their education without the added worry of their attire. It provides a fun and positive atmosphere where it feels as if they've stepped right into a unique boutique carefully curated just for them. This initiative not only boosts their confidence but also promotes equality and inclusivity within our school community.

Why I created this GoFundMe...

Analy High School lost its operating space for The Clothing Closet at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Recently, I was notified that the school located an entire classroom for me to transform into a new Clothing Closet for the students. The previous space was very small. I purchased most of the racks myself; a few were donated along with the hangers. I decorated the interior with items I personally purchased or that came from my home.

With the closure of the Analy closet, it enabled me to give the Laguna Closet a much-needed refresh and remodel. All personally funded, it took me the first four weeks of school to clean, paint, and refinish furniture to make it a space the students truly deserve. It afforded me the opportunity to finally discard the old, wobbly, rusting racks and use all of the newer racks and hangers that had been used in the Analy closet. When it ultimately reopened, needless to say, the students were full of excitement and moreover, gratitude.

Outfitting an empty classroom to bring a Clothing Closet to life is a daunting task. The funds generated will be used to purchase clothing racks, heavy-duty clothing rack systems, hangers, shelving, a small dressing room, and decor. I am extremely savvy, can fix, refinish, remodel, and repurpose anything on a dime! Although I've used my own funds for both closets in the past, I just cannot continue to do so. Even with all the promos, rewards, coupons, and discounts that I use... In full transparency, I've personally contributed over $5000.00 to both closet locations combined since hopping on board in 2021.

Any additional funds generated will be kept to purchase apparel items that I cannot accept as donations, such as socks and undergarments. There have been many occasions where a student will need something in particular such as Homecoming or Prom attire, a specific sized garment or shoes as well as younger family members in need. The funds will help to purchase those items. The funds will also help to maintain the closet should racks break or new hangers are needed.

This program has a immense place in my heart. By supporting this program, you will help to:

Ensure that every student has access to clean and suitable clothing.

Foster a sense of community and support within our schools.

Enhance student confidence.

Help increase attendance as students are more likely to attend school regularly when they feel comfortable and confident in their appearance.

By contributing to this program, you are directly supporting the well-being and future success of our local youth.

The Clothing Closet is made possible through volunteers such as myself and donations from our community. The closet was originally funded by the local Kiwanis chapter. It was located at Laguna High school in Sebastopol where students would basically pick through a pile of used clothing! We have also received monetary donations in the past from our local Rotary and private donors. The responsibility of maintaining the closet over the years was made possible by numerous volunteers until I ultimately hopped on board upon the return of students, post COVID. I was joined by retired West County teachers, Julie Aiello and Bonnie Bowen. Together, we transformed the program into what it is today. We also have picked up a few more volunteers along the way which allows us to open for the students twice per week at the Laguna location as well as freeing up my time to collect, sort, launder, alter and mend all donations that come my way! I periodically will post clothing drive drop-off locations on my socials to get the word out to generate donations and am always checking out "Free" items on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Local Groups, and Next Door.

If a monetary donation isn't for you...we get it! Send a message and I'll be happy to pick up any gently used items you would like to part with. Last, if anyone knows anyone, who knows of anyone in the apparel industry, please send them my way! I would love the access to their year-end inventory clear outs which typically end up destroyed or in the landfill. Yes, our program helps the planet too!!

Thank you for your consideration. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our students.

For more information and pics of the closets past and present, feel free to find me on Facebook under Jennifer Roventini, Instagram @jrovo14, and @the_closet_at_ahs. Additionally, Analy and Laguna both have a link on their website for The Clothing Closet.

To donate directly to the school please make check payable to:

Analy High School.

Mail to: 6950 Analy Ave.

Sebastopol, CA 95472

Be sure to include with or on the check in memo that your donation is specifically for: "The Clothing Closet"

Your contribution is tax deductible. Tax ID #: 38-3912079

Kindly,

Jennifer Roventini-Jensen