The Long Beach School District recently hosted its two-day Beach Boutique event on Nov. 8 - 9 in the Long Beach Middle School gymnasium. Gently worn clothing donations were collected across all six district buildings, and the day before the event, 19 student and 11 adult volunteers helped transform the MS gym into a welcoming “department store.”

Over the course of the weekend, an additional team of 19 National Honor Society students and 14 adult volunteers greeted shoppers, organized merchandise, and assisted families as “personal shoppers.” 

One attendee shared that she loves coming to the Beach Boutique because the savings on clothing allow her to put more money toward family activities. Another parent, who is also a teacher in a neighboring district, expressed interest in learning more about the behind-the-scenes planning so she could replicate the program.  Volunteers included family members, friends, staff, and the Kiwanis Club, showcasing the spirit of a truly community-wide effort.

The event welcomed nearly 100 families, offering students and community members the opportunity to “swap” clothes and thrift locally. Beach Boutique was created by a subcommittee of the district-wide Equity Committee as a resource for Long Beach students and families in need of clothing support. The guiding philosophy is simple: give what you can and take what you need. Remaining student clothing items have been sorted for donation to the high school closet and for distribution to families through school social workers.  

The next Beach Boutique event is scheduled for May.

Date Added: 11/26/2025