Students have many opportunities to help others in the community throughout the year. One of these opportunities is almost upon us: the Clothes Closet donation drive taking place from Sept. 16 to Oct. 5.

“The Clothes Closet was started in 1976 and was literally a closet,” PTA Clothes Closet Coordinator Emily Rowe said. “It was established to help families who were less fortunate These are students in our school and our district that we are helping.”

In this donation drive, McNeil students and teachers can donate gently used clothing and new socks and underwear for middle and high school students. Donations are being collected in the Clothes Closet bin located in the front office.

“The clothing is supplied by generous donations from the families in the schools,” Rowe said. “I have even seen where families who receive our services return the favor by volunteering and donating used clothing.”

The clothes closet has grown since 1976 to include two portables full of clothing. Students in need of clothing can go to the clothes closet and receive about five tops, bottoms, new pairs of underwear and 5 new pairs of socks per semester. They may also select one sweater, a coat and one jacket for each school year.

“The clothes closet serves the Round Rock community,” Principal John Yonker said. “I like to visit the clothes closet and see all of the donations.”

The third annual Clothes Closet drive is a competition against Westwood. The donation drive ends on the day of the McNeil vs. Westwood football game, Oct. 5. Whichever school donates the most clothes gets to to see the principal of the losing school in the winning team’s jersey.

“Westwood and McNeil have always had a friendly rivalry between the students,” McNeil PTSA President Heather Combs said. “ We thought it would be a fun way to get everyone in the schools involved in a community outreach and the Principals agreed.”

In 2010, the clothes closet donations helped 900 students in RRISD. This year’s goal is to collect at least 2,000 pairs of socks and underwear.

“Westwood has beat us two years in a row,” Rowe said. “However, this year we need to sock it to ’em.”