Hollywood comes to Montclair High as donated clothing from film, commercial sets makes its way to students in need

MONTCLAIR, CA—- Christian Gonzalez, a senior at Montclair High School, had never seen anything like it – not just the racks and rows of designer clothes and shoes, but the display of generosity toward students in foster care or whose families were struggling to make ends meet.

“We grew up in Compton, and we didn’t have this. It’s really nice,” Gonzalez said as he and his mother eagerly sorted through the thousands of jackets, shirts, pants, shoes and accessories donated by movie studios and advertising agencies.

Montclair High was the first high school selected by The Wrapped Project, a new Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization started by Nichole Lumpkin, a wardrobe stylist, and Lizz Roberts. Lumpkin, whose sister teaches at Montclair, got the idea to start The Wrapped Project while wrapping up a commercial during the pandemic.

“So many of these items go back to the advertising agencies or the studio after a shoot. They become inventory. We saw this as another way for Hollywood productions to give directly back to the community,” she said.

At Montclair, the school sponsored 100 students and two guests each to participate in the clothing giveaway on a recent Saturday. The students were selected based on need, and each could select four clothing items and two accessories.

Donated items were practically new, or gently used, and included custom-made items on up through high-end designer brands such as Prada.

“It’s such a wonderful community event, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to help provide this to students who need it most,” said Joshua Cho, Principal at Montclair High School.

Said Dr. Mathew Holton, Superintendent of the Chaffey Joint Union High School District: “We appreciate the partnership with The Wrapped Project and its founders’ commitment to giving back to the community. This kind of collaboration and generosity can help transform lives and provide hope for those students and families who see nothing but obstacles.”

To learn more about The Wrapped Project, visit thewrappedproject.org.

Author: Wallace