Across communities, students arrive at school carrying challenges that go far beyond academics. When basic needs are unmet, learning becomes harder. Mrs. Field’s Closet was created to help remove those barriers by providing essential resources directly within schools, where students already feel safe and supported.
What Is Mrs. Field’s Closet?
Mrs. Field’s Closet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential life necessities to students through in-school closets. Founded in loving memory of Becky Field, a respected school counselor known for her compassion and commitment to students, the organization exists to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
The organization was created by Tammy White, an educator who saw firsthand how unmet needs were affecting students in her classroom. Inspired by community-based solutions and driven by a desire to help children succeed, she helped transform a simple idea into a meaningful, school-centered resource.
Today, Mrs. Field’s Closet has six locations, with new closets continuing to grow through word of mouth, community support, and increased awareness.
What Does Mrs. Field’s Closet Do?
Mrs. Field’s Closet provides students with access to everyday essentials that support their well-being and academic success. Each closet is thoughtfully stocked to meet the real, ongoing needs of students.
Closets may include:
- Hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, hairbrushes, and feminine care items
- School supplies, including backpacks, notebooks, pencils, calculators, and other classroom necessities
- Clothing items such as socks, underwear, coats, gloves, and jackets, when available
By placing these resources directly inside schools, students can access what they need discreetly and with dignity. The goal is simple. When basic needs are met, students can focus on learning instead of worrying about what they are missing.
Mrs. Field’s Closet also emphasizes responsible stewardship. Donations primarily support program services, ensuring closets remain stocked throughout the school year and continue serving students consistently.
The Role of the School Counselor
Each Mrs. Field’s Closet is coordinated through the school counselor. This is an intentional and important part of the program.
School counselors are uniquely positioned to support students and families beyond the classroom. If a student is consistently visiting the closet, the counselor can gently connect with the family to better understand what support may be needed. This creates an opportunity to build a positive, trusting relationship between the school and the family during a challenging season.
Counselors also have access to additional community resources, support networks, and service contacts that classroom teachers may not. This allows the closet to be more than a supply space. It becomes a doorway to broader support when needed.
How Do You Start a Mrs. Field’s Closet in Your School?
Expansion of Mrs. Field’s Closet happens largely through word of mouth, community conversations, and outreach through social media. Social platforms are also used to educate people beyond Minot and connect with schools and supporters in other areas.
Schools interested in starting a closet can reach out directly through the organization’s contact channels to begin the conversation. The primary point of contact within each school will be the school counselor to ensure the program is implemented thoughtfully and sustainably. Each school’s needs are different, and closets are set up with flexibility in mind.
Can My Business Sponsor a Mrs. Field’s Closet?
Businesses and organizations play a vital role in helping Mrs. Field’s Closet expand into new schools and remain stocked throughout the year. A $3,000 sponsorship covers supplies only and helps establish a fully stocked closet within a school. This initial investment ensures students have immediate access to essential items that support their well-being and academic success.
In addition to financial sponsorships, organizations can also support a closet by purchasing needed items through an Amazon wishlist. Supplies are shipped directly to the school’s closet, and some schools may maintain individual wishlists based on their specific needs.
What Your Sponsorship Includes
When your business sponsors a Mrs. Field’s Closet, your support is recognized and celebrated in meaningful ways:
- Recognition on the organization’s website and social media platforms
- A plaque featuring your company’s name is displayed at the sponsored school’s closet
- Opportunities for employee engagement, including volunteer days
- A detailed impact report highlighting how your sponsorship is supporting students and families
Additional Ways to Get Involved
Businesses and organizations can also:
- Provide ongoing financial support for restocking supplies
- Organize internal drives to collect hygiene products, school supplies, or clothing
- Help raise awareness through social media and community partnerships
Sponsoring a Mrs. Fields’ Closet is a tangible way for your organization to invest directly in students, strengthen local schools, and make a lasting difference in your community.
Making a Difference, One School at a Time
Mrs. Field’s Closet exists because students deserve to focus on learning, not on where their next basic necessity will come from. Through community support, school partnerships, and shared compassion, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact.
Starting a Mrs. Fields’ Closet in your school is a powerful way to invest in students, strengthen your community, and help carry forward a legacy built on care, dignity, and opportunity.
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