Bremen High's Braves Closet Offers Discreet Student Support

The school's new centralized resource space provides clothing, hygiene items, and other necessities for students in need.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bremen High School in Midlothian, Illinois has transformed a former utility closet into a welcoming and discreet resource space called the Braves Closet. The space, organized by the school's longtime chief custodian Eugene Reyna, offers clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities for students in need. Social workers and teachers can refer students to the closet, and students can also request help privately through a school app or by speaking to staff. The Braves Closet has received donations from the community and local nonprofits, and students have been involved in organizing and maintaining the space.

Why it matters

The Braves Closet provides a centralized and private way for Bremen High School to support students who may be facing economic hardship or other challenges. By offering essential items in a comfortable and discreet setting, the school aims to help students focus on their education rather than worrying about their basic needs. The project also highlights the importance of community partnerships and student involvement in addressing issues of equity and access.

The details

The Braves Closet is located just off the school's gymnasium, behind a newly painted bright red door. It features racks of organized clothing and shelves of toiletries, a far cry from the previous dingy closet space. Social workers and teachers can discreetly refer students to the closet, and students can also request help through a school app or by speaking to staff. The closet offers a range of items including women's blouses, men's polo shirts, pants, sweaters, jackets, shoes, socks, underwear, and backpacks. Local nonprofit organizations have donated to the closet, and students have been involved in organizing, labeling, and maintaining the space.

  • The Braves Closet was transformed over the summer by the school's longtime chief custodian Eugene Reyna.
  • Bremen High School has offered a micropantry for about a decade, but recently saw a need for a more centralized and comfortable resource space.

The players

Eugene Reyna

The school's longtime chief custodian who transformed the former utility closet into the Braves Closet.

Jessica Rucinski

The principal of Bremen High School who wanted to create a nice space where students could feel comfortable accessing resources.

Jessica Null

A social worker at Bremen High School who helped organize the Braves Closet.

Don Ligon

A school social worker who helped organize the Braves Closet project and coordinate donations.

Vanessa Martinez

A junior at Bremen High School who volunteers at the Braves Closet.

Mary Contreras

A student at Bremen High School who got involved with the Braves Closet to help her school community.

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What they’re saying

“We're fortunate we have a very talented chief custodian — he brought this to life.”

— Jessica Rucinski, Principal (chicagotribune.com)

“We're blessed to have so many generous people in the community, that we're overflowing.”

— Don Ligon, School Social Worker (chicagotribune.com)

“I think it is pretty important because there are many students at Bremen who struggle. And also it offers a sense of security, less stress and helps them focus on learning instead of what they don't have.”

— Vanessa Martinez, Student Volunteer (chicagotribune.com)

What’s next

The school plans to continue growing the Braves Closet's inventory through ongoing community donations and partnerships, ensuring it can meet the needs of all students who require support.

The takeaway

The Braves Closet demonstrates how schools can create discreet, centralized resource spaces to address student needs and promote equity, with the help of dedicated staff, community support, and student involvement.