Supporting Students with Confidence: Roosevelt School District and the Power of Essential Donations
“While a pair of underwear may seem like a small thing, for students who go without or experience frequent transitions, clean underwear can make a tremendous difference.”
That reflection came directly from Roosevelt School District in Phoenix, Arizona.
For the children they serve, essential undergarments are not a luxury. They are the difference between staying home and walking into school ready to learn.
Through The Undie Chest, donated undergarments are reaching students who need them most and helping remove quiet barriers that often go unseen.
About Roosevelt School District
Roosevelt School District #66 has served its community for more than 50 years. Each year, the district supports between 5,000 and 9,999 students. More than half of those students live below the poverty line.
The district’s mission is:
“The Roosevelt School District's mission is to build strong foundations through authentic and innovative experiences to ensure success for every student. We envision a community united to create better futures for all through education.”
They primarily serve children ages 0 to 14 in the Western region of the United States. Many families are navigating financial hardship.
The district also supports foster children who frequently transition between homes and may not have access to new clothing, underwear, or socks.
Staff shared that some students have missed school because they did not have proper uniform items or essential undergarments.
When we talk about dignity, this is what we mean.
How Donations Reach Their Students
Every donation to The Undie Chest follows a thoughtful path.
Undergarments donated through our programs are sorted and prepared for distribution. We prioritize providing new, high quality essentials directly to nonprofit partners serving vulnerable populations.
Through our EDU Program, we are committed to working with Title I schools like Roosevelt School District to help remove basic barriers to attendance and learning.
Shipments are coordinated based on each school’s identified needs. Once received, school staff and family engagement teams place these essentials directly into the hands of students and families who need them most.
Why Essential Undergarments Matter in Schools
Roosevelt School District shared:
“We have many students whose families are struggling financially and cannot always afford to buy new underwear for their children. We also serve foster children who often move from one group home to another and may not have access to new clothing, underwear, or socks.”
And this:
“In some cases, students have even missed school because they didn’t have the proper uniform or underwear to wear. Support from The Undie Chest helps ensure every child has access to this basic necessity—allowing them to attend school with dignity, confidence, and a sense of belonging.”
Undergarments affect comfort. Comfort affects focus. Focus affects learning.
When a child feels secure in what they are wearing, they can concentrate on reading, math, friendships, and growth instead of discomfort or embarrassment.
The district also estimated that without support, they would have spent more than $20,000 purchasing underwear and clothing items in the past year. Donations help redirect those funds toward education and student support services.
The Ripple Effect of Your Donation
When you donate to The Undie Chest, you are strengthening school communities.
You are helping a foster child feel settled during transition.
You are helping a parent stretch a tight budget.
You are helping a student show up to class with confidence instead of worry.
This is what dignity looks like in action.
How You Can Help
If you would like to support schools like Roosevelt School District, consider donating new undergarments through The Undie Chest.
Your generosity helps ensure students have the essentials they need to attend school comfortably and confidently.
Because dignity starts with feeling good undie-neath.