More than two decades ago, sixth-grade teacher Susan Holloway began collecting various clothing and hygiene items in her classroom to give to her students and their families in need. Those decades of hard work culminated in April with the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Susan Holloway Clothing Bank at the Greenfield Family Resource Center in the Greenfield Union School District. Thanks to Holloway’s determination, Greenfield’s outreach efforts, and community contributions, the district can offer another vital resource to the families it serves.

“It’s so special to turn around and see your name on something that is for the children of the Greenfield School District and it’s going to continue on even when I’m gone,” Holloway said.

The clothing bank had previously been located at McKee Middle School, where Holloway was teaching. Since her retirement from teaching last year, the district moved the items to the Family Resource Center, so that families could find clothing, food, job information, support and other resources all in one place.

“With the resource center right next door, they can get food, help and health references,” Holloway said. “I am honored to work alongside some of the most dedicated and committed people in the Greenfield School District. Because of their extraordinary efforts, this beautiful facility became a reality.”

Parent and volunteer Norma Tulasosopo shared her story during the grand opening ceremony. In 2013, she struggled to provide for her children and needed clothing items for them as well as an outfit for a job interview. She explained that not only did she get the job, she now works as an advocate for family centers like Greenfield’s, and loves to give back to the same clothing bank that helped her and her family.

“I remember what it was like to need it and not want to ask for help,” Tulasosopo said. “I walked in with uncertainty and left with confidence.”

District Superintendent Ramon Hendrix thanked school administration officials, resource center staff, volunteers, and especially Holloway for bringing this dream to life. He shared his story of growing up in the district and how he would have greatly benefitted from a clothing bank and resource center like this. He said kids might not understand or appreciate it, but this resource has a huge impact.

“On behalf of the students who you never hear from or who you don’t see, I want to say thank you, because you are doing a great service for the kids in the Greenfield community. We love you. We appreciate you,” Hendrix told Holloway.

Holloway said she could not have created the clothing bank without the support of the Greenfield administration, her family, and the greater community, who all came together in the spirit of generosity.

“This community is unbelievable. When I reached out to community members, they dropped off bags of clothes,” she said. “Businesses came out from Bakersfield to donate, and it just grew and grew.”

Tulasosopo said it’s not just about fabric and folded shirts for her. It represents transformation and a new chapter for many families. She said she is grateful for the community support, the sense of dignity, and the feeling that you matter.

“You don’t leave with just the bags [of clothing]; you leave with hope and confidence and pride in yourself that I can do this because someone believes in me,” Tulasosopo said. Even though Holloway has finished her teaching career, she still plans to volunteer at the clothing bank as often as possible.

“It’s going to be hard to keep me away,” she said. “You’ll find me here. They’ll have to kick me out.”