The Clothes Closet reopens August 25. The Backpack Bash needs your support.
Here’s how to get involved — and why it matters.
Every August, I look forward to two things on my calendar: dropping off donations at the RISD Clothes Closet and watching the Backpack Bash come together. Both happen every year, quietly and without a lot of fanfare, and both make a real difference for families in this district.
If you’ve lived in Richardson for any length of time, you know that RISD is special. The schools, the community, the way families show up for each other — it’s one of the reasons people choose to buy here and stay here. The Clothes Closet and the Backpack Bash are two of the clearest expressions of that. They exist because RISD families take care of each other. And right now, both of them could use your help.
The RISD Clothes Closet
The RISD Council of PTAs Clothes Closet reopens August 25 — the first Monday RISD is back in session. It’s located at 1239 W. Belt Line Road, across from Richardson High School and next to the RISD Newcomer Center. Hours are Monday mornings, 9:15 to 11:45, whenever school is in session.
Here’s how it works. Students who need clothing assistance are identified by their school counselor or nurse — or a parent can reach out directly to their campus counselor to ask for help. Once a student is referred, volunteers fulfill the request on Tuesdays and deliver a full wardrobe to the school. Every student who comes through gets clothes that fit, are current, and are in good condition. Not hand-me-downs. A real wardrobe.
The Clothes Closet runs entirely on donations and volunteers. Both are needed right now, before school starts.
TO DONATE:
Drop off clothing at 1239 W. Belt Line Road on Monday mornings, 9:00 to noon. Items need to be cute, current, and in like-new condition — sizes 3T to adult XXL. Label them “Clothes Closet.” If you have clothing that’s more worn — ripped, stained, or well-used — bag it separately and label it “World Wear.” The Clothes Closet sells those items to the World Wear Project and uses the proceeds to purchase needed items. Nothing goes to waste.
They also always need new toiletries. If you have extras, bring those along too.
TO VOLUNTEER:
Volunteers sort donations on Monday mornings and fulfill clothing requests for students on Tuesdays. Delivery drivers are also needed to bring items to schools. Before you can volunteer, you’ll need to complete the RISD background check at risd.voly.org. Once you’re approved, reach out to [email protected] to get started. It’s a Monday morning commitment, and it’s one of the most straightforward ways I’ve found to be useful in this community.
The RISD Backpack Bash
The Backpack Bash happens every year in late July and early August — a campus-by-campus event where RISD families can pick up backpacks, school supply kits, hygiene kits, and connect with community programs and services. Last year more than 5,000 backpacks were distributed. This year RISD is hoping to reach 7,500.
That’s a lot of backpacks. And they need help getting there.
How To Support The Backpack Bash:
Financial donations are being accepted through the Network of Community Ministries at thenetwork.org/donate-today. When you donate, note “seasonal” so the Network knows it’s for the Backpack Bash. They use those funds to purchase school supply kits.
In-kind donations are also welcome — food, hygiene items, and services like haircuts or health screenings. If you or your business would like to sponsor or participate, visit web.risd.org/backpackbash for information on how to get involved.
WHY THIS MATTERS
People choose to pay a premium to live in this district because of what RISD stands for — not just the academic rankings, but the community behind them. The Clothes Closet and the Backpack Bash are part of that community. They make sure that every student who walks into an RISD school on the first day feels ready. Comfortable. Like they belong.
That’s worth showing up for. See you at drop-off.
RISD Clothes Closet
1239 W. Belt Line Road, Richardson (across from RHS)
Donations: Mondays 9:00–11:45am when RISD is in session, starting August 25
Volunteer: risd.voly.org for background check, then [email protected]
Questions: [email protected]
RISD Backpack Bash
Financial donations: thenetwork.org/donate-today (note “seasonal”)
Sponsor/participate: web.risd.org/backpackbash
Sources: RISD Council of PTAs (risdpta.membershiptoolkit.com/clothescloset), Richardson Today, RISD (web.risd.org), Network of Community Ministries (thenetwork.org), July 2026. All volunteer requirements subject to RISD approval process.
