Supporting Students with Dignity: Roosevelt School District and the Power of Second Life Bras
“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’s how Roosevelt School District describes the impact of basic essentials for the children they serve.
Through The Bra Recyclers and The Undie Chest, recycled bras and essential undergarments are helping ensure students in Phoenix, Arizona can show up to school feeling comfortable, confident, and ready to learn.
About Roosevelt School District
Roosevelt School District #66 has been serving families for more than 50 years. In 2025 alone, they supported between 5,000 and 9,999 students, with 51 to 75 per cent living below the poverty line.
Their mission is clear:
“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.” - Veronica Cobbs, Family Engagement Specialist
The district primarily serves children ages 0 to 14 in the Western region of the United States. 77% per cent of students identify as Hispanic or Latino, and many families face significant financial hardship .
According to their application, many students come from families who are struggling financially and cannot always afford to buy new underwear for their children. The district also supports foster children who frequently transition between homes and may not have access to new clothing, underwear, or socks.
In some cases, students have even missed school because they did not have the proper uniform or underwear to wear .
That is where this partnership matters.
How Bras and Undergarments Reach Their Students
When you recycle bras through The Bra Recyclers, you are doing more than clearing out a drawer.
Here is the journey:
Bras are collected through our national recycling network.
Each item is carefully sorted. Those suitable for second life are prepared for redistribution.
The Undie Chest coordinates shipments to nonprofit partners like Roosevelt School District.
School staff place those garments directly into the hands of students and families who need them most.
We prioritize reuse whenever possible. Extending the life of wearable bras keeps textiles in circulation and out of landfills. Items not suitable for redistribution are directed toward responsible recycling pathways.
This is sustainability grounded in real life. What you send in becomes something a student can rely on.
Giving Bras a Second Life and Students a Strong Start
Roosevelt School District shared this reflection:
“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. It directly affects their comfort, confidence, and self-esteem. Receiving new underwear can be a meaningful and uplifting experience for both students and their families.”
Clean, properly fitting undergarments are not optional. They affect hygiene, concentration, and whether a child feels secure walking into a classroom.
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 .
When families do not have to spend limited funds on these essentials, it also relieves financial pressure. Roosevelt School District estimates that without support from The Undie Chest, they would have spent more than $20,000 purchasing underwear and clothing items in the past year .
That is funding that can now remain focused on education and student support.
The Ripple Effect
Community recycling reduces textile waste, redistribution restores dignity, and your participation tangibly connects those two outcomes.
A bra you no longer wear can become part of a system that supports children rebuilding stability, especially those navigating foster care, housing insecurity, or financial hardship.
This is what circular impact looks like. Materials stay in use. Families feel supported. Students stay in school.
How You Can Help
If you have gently used bras ready for a second life, recycle them through The Bra Recyclers.
Your participation helps supply nonprofits like Roosevelt School District and ensures students have the essentials they need to show up with confidence.
Because dignity starts with feeling good undie-neath.
