McKee Middle School Clothing Bank Continues its Tradition of Care

After more than two decades of teaching and serving Greenfield’s students, Susan Holloway, a beloved 6th-grade teacher at McKee Middle School, is preparing to retire. But Holloway’s legacy at Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) is about much more than just teaching. She has dedicated more than 20 years to providing clothing and essential items to families in need.

What started as a one-woman effort to meet the basic needs of her students has now blossomed into a district-wide clothing bank that will soon be housed at the Greenfield Family Resource Center. Holloway says she felt the call to help students and their families when she first became a teacher.

“I absolutely love teaching, but this, to me, was my calling,” she said.

Holloway first began collecting clothing items one at a time to serve the individual needs of students at her school. Then, as word spread, she decided to take action on a larger scale.

“I always saw kids in need of basic necessities, shoes, warm coats,” Holloway explained. “I took care of it individually, on my own, but I felt like I needed something bigger to help my school site.”

By 2013, the project outgrew her classroom and expanded into a larger space where it began serving students across the entire school district. The clothing bank offers much more than just clothes. From specialty graduation dresses to work attire for parents, toiletries, baby clothes, and even sleeping bags for students headed to Camp Keep, Holloway transformed the bank into a resource for families facing difficulties.

“They’re going through some hardship, and they need the extra help, an extra hand,” she said. “I like to be there for that, especially for the kids, because kids shouldn’t have to have the hardship that I know their parents are bearing.”

If someone needs an item, a GUSD staff member, a parent, or other trusted adult can contact the office at McKee, the Family Resource Center, or email Holloway directly. The student or family would then set up an appointment to visit the clothing bank and pick out what they need, all free of charge. Holloway makes sure each student feels special, cared for, and supported.

“I treat them like they won something,” Holloway said. “I’m like their personal shopper. I try to make it fun for them.”

The clothing bank also accepts donations from the community. Interested individuals or businesses can drop off their new or gently used items or cash donations to be distributed to those in need in the district.

In fact, Holloway’s generosity with the clothing bank has inspired acts of giving at the school for many years. Holloway says her sixth graders have held several drives for shoes and socks as part of class projects, and many of the clubs on campus participate in clothing drives as well, with proceeds benefiting the clothing bank.

Her dedication didn’t stop at the school. Over the years, Holloway personally delivered clothes to families living in hotels or dealing with personal crises.

“It really gets to me to see what they’re going through,” she shared. “Kids shouldn’t have to struggle like that.”

Holloway’s impending retirement comes with mixed emotions, especially because of her deep attachment to the clothing bank.

“I was so concerned about the clothing bank, because it means so much to me, for the students,” she confessed. “I couldn’t just walk away.”

As a result, the clothing bank is in the process of moving from the double classroom at McKee Middle School to the Greenfield Family Resource Center where it will continue to serve families across the whole district long after Holloway’s retirement. With social workers and other district staff able to easily access the items families need, Holloway feels confident about the bank’s future.

“It’s in good hands, moving on to the district, I really believe it is,” she said. “It’s a dynamic group over there.”

Even as she steps into retirement, Holloway plans to stay involved in some way.

“Oh, I don’t think they can get rid of me totally. I would love to come and help,” she said.

Families in the district requesting access to clothing or other resources, as well as those interested in donating new or gently used items can reach out to the Greenfield Family Resource Center.