"A mom who is a refugee from Colombia moved to Wisconsin at the beginning of this year. She has been putting her life together since her arrival. Thanks to RiverGlen, the school provided her 2 sons with winter clothing, boots, and jackets. Mom even found some items for herself. Once mom found a job, she could give back to the community closet as a thank-you.
This school year mom isn’t working due to the trauma her sons have endured. She has had to miss work too many times to pick them up early or stay with them due to being suspended. Since her 2 sons grew, mom asked if she could visit the closet again. She did find many winter clothes but still needs a size 6 winter coat and size 8 winter boots. She expressed gratitude for finding some much-needed items, thanks to RiverGlen!"
Our partnership with non-profit organizations, outreach programs, and local schools is part of our mission to live out the love of Jesus in our communities—both locally and globally. For many years, RiverGlen has had the privilege of working alongside Hadfield and Hawthorne Elementary (formerly Hawthorne and Whittier). Seeing the smiling faces of these students makes it all worthwhile.
This wouldn’t be possible without the incredible leaders and volunteers, as well as the generous donations contributed through RiverGlen’s yearly clothing and toy drives. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact!
Another letter from Hawthorne Elementary:
Dear RiverGlen partners,
At Hawthorne Elementary, our school thrives on the spirit of community, and we owe an immense debt of gratitude to a cherished partner who has gone above and beyond to support our students in ways that truly matter. Through generous donations of clothing and hours of volunteer work, you have strengthened the threads of kindness and compassion that hold our community together.
One space where your impact shines especially bright is our classroom for students with significant disabilities. In this room, a young student — a beautiful, joyful child who brings warmth to everyone he encounters — navigates each day with courage. He has mobility challenges and sometimes needs extra support, especially as he relies on the bus for transportation. Occasionally, he has an accident that requires a change of clothes, an experience that could feel uncomfortable and isolating. Yet, thanks to your contributions to our community closet, his team knows there is always a clean, comfortable set of clothes ready for him. This immediate access to essentials helps him rejoin his friends seamlessly, shifting the focus from his needs to his vibrant personality and kind heart.
The ripple effects of your generosity are clear in the brighter interactions we see each day. His peers can now more easily celebrate and connect with him without distraction. This seemingly simple access to clothing has paved the way for more natural and positive peer connections, a gift we could not have offered without your support.
On behalf of our school community, and especially our remarkable students, thank you. The dedication you've shown is felt daily in ways that go beyond clothing — it provides dignity, inclusion, and love. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in helping all our students feel valued and celebrated.
Your friends from the FRIENDS room at Hawthorne,
~ Marlene, Saydey, Mileni, Yahaira, & Juliana