Families in Temecula can pick up free clothing, shoes and accessories starting Saturday, Nov. 7, when a student-run closet opens at Temecula Valley High School.

The Community Closet, organized by the Rising Above club, holds its grand opening from 9 a.m. to noon at the school, 31555 Rancho Vista Road, as first reported by Patch. Everything is free. The closet will operate monthly through May 2027, with plans to reopen in the fall.

Organizers need donations of infant, children's and teen clothing. They have plenty of women's items but say younger sizes are in short supply. Monetary contributions and corporate sponsorships are also being sought to cover startup and ongoing costs.

Kennedy Whitson and Emma Karazin founded Rising Above in 2025, when they were juniors at Temecula Valley High. The club helps children and families affected by child abuse, neglect, domestic violence and substance abuse. The closet idea came after Whitson and other members identified a gap in access to free clothing for families facing financial hardship, according to Patch.

"The group met throughout the summer to work through the details of opening the closet on the high school campus," Whitson told Patch.

The project won approval from Temecula Valley Unified School District (TVUSD) Assistant Superintendent Nicole Lash and Temecula Valley High Principal Donna Lione. A Rising Above spokesperson told Patch that TVUSD communications director Mike Marble championed the effort, with ASB Director Eric Burlingham and faculty adviser Zachary Force also supporting it. Partner organizations include the Temecula Valley Woman's Club, SAFE Family Justice Centers and Oak Grove Center, a Murrieta-based residential treatment and education nonprofit for at-risk youth.

Club members and alumni adviser Jaden Whitson spent months collecting, sorting and organizing items into a store-like setup for the opening.

TVUSD high school students can volunteer at the Nov. 7 event. Families are welcome to attend and take home items at no charge. Those interested in donating, volunteering or sponsoring can email [email protected] or follow @risingaboveTVHS on Instagram.

Upcoming community dates:

  • Saturday, Nov. 7 — Rising Above Community Closet grand opening, 9 a.m.–noon, Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Road. Free clothing, shoes and accessories for families.