Families at Edward Williams School in Mount Vernon picked up free clothing and school supplies on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The Junior League of Bronxville opened its Joyful Closet program for the new school year with a uniform swap at the start of the school day.

Students chose from new and gently used clothes, shoes, toiletries and supplies. The items were free.

The Junior League runs the Joyful Closet inside the school throughout the academic year, and any student in the Mount Vernon City School District can receive items when a teacher or social worker submits a request form on their behalf.

"Anyone in the school district – the different social workers and teachers – have access to a form they can fill in on behalf of a kid who needs some supplies," Sarah Darwin, chair of the Joyful Closet, said in a school announcement. "And then we can distribute it to anyone in the school district."

Darwin said the closet began as a way to provide for Mount Vernon children directly in their schools, rather than requiring families to travel to a separate location.

The program launched in 2022 in partnership with Bundles of Joy, a nonprofit, according to the Junior League's website.

The district it serves is large. Mount Vernon City School District enrolls roughly 6,500 students across 13 schools, and district budget documents show 75 percent of those students are economically disadvantaged.

Principal Dr. Erica Naughton said the Joyful Closet helps students focus on learning by covering basic necessities. "If you can come to school and feel good, you're going to learn very well," Naughton said.

Beyond the September swap, the Joyful Closet hosts a donation event each June. Students receive clothes and supplies for the summer and donate used items back to restock the closet for the following year.

The Junior League of Bronxville draws members from Bronxville, Eastchester, Mount Vernon, Tuckahoe and Yonkers.

The Joyful Closet operates throughout the school year at Edward Williams School. Residents interested in supporting the program can visit the Junior League's website for more information.