Yonkers students and families who face economic challenges, including losing their homes to fire, find comfort and much-needed clothing in Yonkers Schools' Donation Closet. The “closet” has been around for years.

Since Yonkers joined the My Brother’s Keeper movement six months ago, the amount of clothing donations has increased tenfold.  The closet is now a hub where students suit up for interviews, prom-goers pick up dresses and families continue to find support.

“Word-of-mouth publicity through MBK has helped. It’s really taken on a life of its own,” said Eileen Torres a longtime Roosevelt High School social worker who runs the operation out of the school. 

YonkersMBK seeks to improve life opportunities for boys and young men of color through mentoring and many other means of support. For older students, job readiness -- including dressing appropriately for interviews -- is part of the program.  

Now known as the YonkersMBK Dress for Success closet, it occupies a vast art room packed with racks, shelves and tables full of donated garments. It has a private changing area for those who need it. Since becoming part of YonkersMBK, the selection of suits, ties and dresses has expanded dramatically.  Retailers such as Epstein’s in Tuckahoe and Bari Jay in New York City donate new shirts and dresses.

“We still really need dress socks and shoes,” said Ms. Torres. “But the kids are all excited. They know it’s there for them for interview clothes.”  

At least 10 students a day come by to “shop,” another 10, mostly seniors, work there as volunteers. One particularly active YonkersMBK student, a junior named Barry, makes himself to available for whatever is needed.  And about 10 students from Roosevelt’s autistic program spend time each day, sorting, hanging and “learning life skills.” 

The donation closet, which is open to entire Yonkers community, has expanded so much, it is now moving some of its offerings (those designated specifically for fire victims) into an actual closet in another classroom.

During Spring Break, Simone Carcer, a 16-year-old from West Harrison, spent hours cleaning and lining the shelves of the new storage space as part of her efforts to earn a Gold Award, Girl Scouts’ highest honor. 

“I really wanted to do something to help the community,” said Simone, who had her mother Paty and younger brother, George, in tow.

She is in good company. A diverse and growing group of volunteers from outside the school district are beginning to pitch in at the YonkersMBK Dress for Success closet.

Said Torres, “One woman from the neighborhood saw a flyer and just came by to help out.”