Student Clothes Closet

Williamson College of the Trades provides a three-year, post-secondary trade education to financially deserving young men. Each scholarship includes tuition, room, and board for three years. In return, students agree to adhere to Williamson’s values-based curriculum and to participate in the maintenance and daily operations of the campus, keeping Williamson’s costs to a minimum compared with other institutions of higher learning. A Williamson education is unique as students are required to attend a daily 7:15 a.m. lineup and inspection, followed by mandatory chapel service daily. After a full day of academic courses and trade-related instruction, each student must retire to his dormitory room by 10:00 p.m. A critical aspect of this rigorous curriculum is the college’s dress code. Students must report for chapel, academic classes and meals wearing a sport coat, dress slacks, dress shirt, tie and polished dress shoes.

Generally, Williamson students come from families who cannot afford the tuition costs at other post-secondary institutions. In addition, Williamson’s rigorous schedule limits opportunity for part-time employment. These factors can make it difficult for students to meet the college’s dress code.

In response, Williamson makes donated clothing available to students on an as-needed basis through what has become known as the Clothes Closet. In recent years, this program has grown from a small collection of used clothing into a well-used men’s clothing shop. The Clothes Closet provides sport coats, suits, slacks, socks, ties, belts, shoes, and coats of all styles, sizes and for all kinds of weather.

The program’s success can be attributed to a generous grant from The Hoxie Harrison Smith Foundation and the dedication of faithful volunteers and volunteer project manager, who accepts and solicits donations from alumni and friends of Williamson. The volunteer team works faithfully to sort, iron, and tag all incoming clothing. (Minor mending is also provided in the Clothes Closet). The clothes are then made available to students at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. The Clothes Closet is open for business every Tuesday during the school year.

We are grateful to all those who care for the needs of our students through donations to the Clothes Closet. Because our budget is very limited for dry cleaning and other expenses we ask that all donated items be clean and ready for our students to use and enjoy. Thank you for your support of the Williamson Clothes Closet! There wouldn’t be one without you!