Culver Closet: Providing Essential Support for Culver City Families

Although Culver City has its perks, there is still an issue that needs to be addressed: the lack of affordable housing and resources. Rising costs over recent years have made it increasingly difficult for many families here to sustain themselves and support their children financially. These hardships have taken a serious toll on the mental and physical well-being of individuals and families, and the Culver Closet is dedicated to making a positive difference.
It all started in 2012, when Career Counselor Adrienne Madrid encountered a student who was struggling to help support his family. She and fellow colleague Marion Serra put their heads together, and with the help of the maintenance department and CCHS staff donations, they turned an unused office on the second floor of the library into the Culver Closet, providing free clothing, shoes, toiletries, and school supplies to students and their families in need. Donations increased with the support of parents, community members, and the Culver Needs Committee—a partnership formed with CCUSD employees and community partners to expand resources and assistance for students and families. The Culver Closet eventually outgrew its space, so they needed to move locations and found the perfect spot just a block away from CCHS, near Farragut Elementary School.
The Culver Closet is a valuable resource for families in Culver City. Dozens of families, students, and adults have been able to get clothing, school supplies, and more with the help of donations. It also sponsors programs and events such as the Backpacks for Kids program, which distributes more than 120 bags of food to students in need each week across the district. For the past six years, it has also sponsored Project Prom, which provided students with prom makeup and hairstyling from professional stylists. Ms. Madrid has also connected parents facing financial challenges to job resources, and through private donations, provides some very low income and homeless students and families in need with gift cards to local markets and fast casual restaurants. In 2019, the Culver Closet was able to provide almost $5,200 in gift cards. The Culver Closet and the Culver Needs Committee have worked together to provide students and their families with as many resources as they could get.
With all these opportunities available, the Culver Closet has become a place where families and communities can live without the fear of lacking basic necessities. This organization has been a great way for our community to work together and grow, and most importantly, take care of our fellow Culver City residents.
Donations are always appreciated, particularly full-sized bottles of toiletries like shampoo and conditioner. Clothing donations are not needed at this time, as there is currently a surplus. If you have questions or would like to make a donation, contact Ms. Madrid at [email protected].