All Klein ISD Schools Awarded $14,856 from KEF for ‘Klein Kloset’ Grant

KLEIN, TEXAS - All Klein ISD schools have been awarded a $14,856 Multi-Campus Grant from the Klein ISD Education Foundation (KEF) for the "Klein Kloset" initiative. This initiative was designed to provide essential clothing and hygiene products to students in need, while fostering confidence, wellness, and academic success throughout the district.

In a surprise visit from the KEF Celebration Express, Klein ISD was honored with the grant alongside Foundation directors, community members, and Superintendent Dr. Jenny McGown. The Celebration Express bus brought excitement and recognition as the Klein Kloset was honored as one of this year's deserving recipients of the grants.

Led by grant writers Christy Gleason and Kimberly Jones-Williams and sponsored by the Klein ISD Education Foundation in partnership with Brian and Dr. Jenny McGown, the Klein Kloset initiative serves students and families from every Klein ISD school, regardless of socioeconomic status. Whether facing homelessness, financial hardship, or crisis, families will have access to free clothing, hygiene items, and basic household necessities. The project aims to improve student attendance, mental health, and stability by ensuring students feel secure, confident, and supported.

Students will be referred through school staff, and success will be measured by serving 50–75 students within the first six months. The district is collaborating with Operations to identify a centralized space for the Kloset and with Warehouse Services to repurpose shelving and storage equipment. District social workers will oversee the Klein Kloset’s daily operations, with the support of volunteers and community partners.

The project also includes a unique partnership with the Bridge Center, where students working on daily living skills will assist by washing, drying, folding, and hanging donated items, providing meaningful life-skill practice, and contributing to the program's operation. The initial grant will fund the first stock of new items, which will be replenished through future school supply drives and generous community donations.

The Klein Kloset is more than a resource—it’s a community-driven learning opportunity. It builds self-esteem and school connection for students receiving support, encourages parental involvement, teaches kindness and empathy to student donors, and gives students at the Bridge Center hands-on experience that fosters independence.

“The Klein Kloset is a beautiful example of how our community comes together to support the whole student, meeting basic needs so that every child can thrive academically and emotionally,” Klein ISD Director of the Klein ISD Education Foundation Christy Spisak said. “We’re proud to fund initiatives like this that remove barriers and empower students to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”

This spring, the KEF Celebration Express distributed grants totaling $92,569 to support various innovative and impactful educational initiatives. From 3D printers to yearbook club essentials, this year’s recipients exemplify the power of creativity in education.
We sincerely thank all our sponsors for making these initiatives possible, enhancing the educational experience, and fostering the growth of Klein ISD students.

The Klein ISD Education Foundation accepts grant applications biannually. It supports creative projects that enrich student learning and drive academic success.