School Closet Fund

How it started

The Closet Fund at The Village Church began with a middle schooler and a challenge to make a difference in their school. When the youth group was given a challenge
to make a difference in their schools, Maci
Conrad took that seriously. But every idea she came up with, the principal said, “No.” “What CAN I do?” she asked him. “We need shoes,” he said. “Collect shoes for the students who don’t have any.”

So she did. She started a shoe drive. The church leaders were so impressed they made it a focus of their Vacation Bible School. Over $3,000 worth of shoes, supplies, clothes, and backpacks were collected at VBS that year. Thus, the closet fund was born! It began at Pacetti Bay Middle School as the "Wildcat Closet". Teachers and administrators knew exactly where to go if they had a student in need. 

The program took off in 2018, and we added a second closet at Osceola Elementary School in Saint Augustine. In 2019, we established a partnership with Picolata Crossing, and most recently, we launched a fourth closet at Tocoi Creek High School. 

Over $40,000 worth of supplies, clothing, backpacks, shoes, and hygiene items have been donated in the past 9 years.