Woodland Hills High School is honored to be the latest location for Craig’s Closet, which provides free dress clothes to high school boys throughout the region. The initiative is sponsored by Steelers star Cam Heyward and The Heyward House, and is designed to honor the legacy of Cam’s father, former NFL player Craig Heyward, who passed away in 2006.
Cam Heyward, his mother Charlotte Heyward-Wesley, additional members of The Heyward House, Woodland Hills staff, and select students were on hand for the ribbon-cutting officially opening the dedicated space inside the high school on Tuesday, October 28.
“My dad had only one suit throughout high school and college,” Cam Heyward said on Tuesday. “I think it was a dream of his to give back and have suits for others. He didn’t get to realize it, but I do, and it’s something we get to create with his legacy.”
Craig’s Closet stocks donated dress shirts, pants, jackets, ties, shoes, and full suit combinations in order to provide students in need with formal wear for banquets, interviews, internships, and more. The Heyward House team worked with Woodland Hills High School staff over the last couple of months to make arrangements to set up a Craig’s Closet location in the high school. Students who wish to utilize the clothes available through Craig’s Closet will work with school social workers Ms. Kellie Irwin and Ms. Kiersten Snyder to assess their needs. Assistant director of activities and athletics Mr. Jullian Turner will then help outfit the students with the donated clothing.
“This is a space where they can feel comfortable and confident,” Cam Heyward said. “As they come in shy, they leave empowered.”
Heyward added that the goal is to help students feel prepared and ready for the next chapters in their lives.
The Woodland Hills School District and Woodland Hills High School would like to express sincere gratitude to Cam Heyward and The Heyward House team for their generosity and for partnering with the high school staff to serve our students.