Students to Open Free Community Closet in Temecula
The Rising Above student club will launch a resource for families in need at Temecula Valley High School on November 7.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The student-led Rising Above club is set to open a free community closet at Temecula Valley High School on November 7. The initiative provides shoes, clothing, and accessories to families facing financial hardship or trauma.
Why it matters
Students launched this project to fill a local gap in access to basic necessities for families experiencing domestic violence, substance abuse, or neglect. By offering resources at no cost, the club aims to support vulnerable neighbors through a direct, campus-based solution.
The closet grand opening is scheduled for November 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at 31555 Temecula Valley High School. Operations will continue on a monthly basis through May 2027.
The players
Kennedy Whitson
Kennedy Whitson is a student and co-founder of the Rising Above club.
Emma Karazin
Emma Karazin is a student and co-founder of the Rising Above club.
Temecula Valley Unified School District
The Temecula Valley Unified School District is the local educational authority that approved the community closet project.
Temecula Valley Woman's Club
The Temecula Valley Woman's Club is a philanthropic partner collaborating with the student organizers.
Oak Grove Center
Oak Grove Center is a partner organization that provides support for youth and families in the local region.
The details
Founded in 2025 by Kennedy Whitson and Emma Karazin, the club partnered with local organizations like the Temecula Valley Woman's Club and Oak Grove Center to source donations. Students spent the summer organizing the inventory and establishing operational logistics for the high school site.
Timeline
The Rising Above club was founded in 2025.
Students met during the summer of 2026 to plan the logistics.
The grand opening event occurs on November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The closet will remain open on a monthly schedule through May 2027.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader trend of school-based philanthropy where student organizations take on roles traditionally held by specialized social services. By filling localized gaps in aid, the group positions itself as a vital part of the regional social safety net.
Local families affected by abuse or financial hardship gain a reliable, cost-free source for clothing and footwear. Residents interested in supporting the program can contribute donations to help sustain the monthly supply chain.
The takeaway
Student-led initiatives can effectively address hyper-local social needs that larger institutions might miss. Community members looking to support similar efforts should reach out to local schools to identify specific inventory needs for these closets.
Further reading
For additional information on regional charitable initiatives, visit the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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