AUSTIN, Texas — Homecoming season is upon us, but the time-honored tradition can be expensive.
Anderson High School in Austin says with its homecoming and prom closet, it wants to make sure every student has the chance to make the night one to remember at no cost.
“It’s this really cool closet where they get a bunch of these like, donations for clothing, and they just set it out and you can come in and take what you need,” freshman Jacon Clifton said.
Clifton said several clothing racks are filled with floor-length dresses, men’s dress shirts and jackets, and tables lined with jewelry, makeup, shoes and heels.
He heard about the closet recently from a friend.
“He brought in a suit and I was like, ‘I need that.’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, I got it for free.' And I was like, ‘Keep talking,’” Clifton said.
Anderson High School teacher Jeanette Timco started the homecoming closet two years ago. She said the idea branched off the closet she has run for eight years that offers free, regular clothing options for students, their families and staff.
“I just saw a need for it,” she said.
Timco said every item in the closet is donated by the community, and deliveries happen on a daily basis.
She said people will drop off bags of clothing at the front office that she then picks up, sorts and organizes, allowing students to pick out outfits. The closet is meant for anyone, no matter their financial situation, and they're allowed to take as many items as they want for free.
“I end up, literally, dressing the kids, which is what I love,” Timco said. “Just seeing their facial expressions go from solemn to smiles, and they’re so excited that they’ve got their outfit to go to homecoming in – that’s what makes me want to do this over and over every year.”
Junior Mackenzie Pierce said Timco's excitement for the closet is contagious. She helps organize clothes and pick out outfits for other students.
“I feel good about it because I get to see people pick out their dresses and make outfits and have fun with it,” she said. "It really gives me joy.”
Pierce said it can be overwhelming going to a regular store to try on dresses that are often out of their budget. She said the closet helps find students other options. Clifton is one of them.
“A lot of kids like me, I haven't really had a chance to like, wear clothes like this yet. So it's really nice to have the opportunity to,” he said.
Clifton said not everyone can afford to dress how they want.
“I even get an allowance, but I still can't really shop for dress shirts or blazers or something. So I don't know, it just gives a lot of kids an opportunity to feel nice,” Clifton said.
Anderson High School's homecoming is Saturday, Oct. 19. The school is looking for more donations to make sure every child gets an opportunity to dress up.
Timco said they're looking for nice dresses, shoes, makeup, jewelry, men's shirts and blazers – anything you'd need to look nice for a dance.
If you’re interested in donating, you can drop items off at the school's front desk, addressed to Ms. Timco.