By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX—A community-led effort is helping ensure Rio Hondo students can take part in Homecoming festivities without the cost of formalwear keeping them from the celebration.
Rio Hondo parent Brenda Beasley helped organize a Homecoming Attire Donations initiative that collected dresses, suits, dress pants, shoes, ties, jewelry, and other formalwear for students who may need them.
The effort began on a smaller scale in May 2025, when Beasley and others collected dresses for students in Rio Hondo ISD’s Special Programs who needed something to wear to Prom. The response from donors exceeded expectations, prompting organizers to make the clothing available to the entire Rio Hondo student body.
Beasley, who is not an employee of the district, has four children attending Rio Hondo ISD, including one in Special Programs, a senior, and two elementary students.
During the original prom effort, employees were notified that students who needed a dress could privately visit a designated classroom to browse the donations. Beasley said that maintaining students’ privacy and dignity has remained central to the initiative.
Donated items are organized and displayed in a designated classroom at Rio Hondo, where students can browse them between classes or after school.
The collection is open to Rio Hondo students who need formal attire for homecoming or other special events.
“We never wanted a student to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable because their peers knew they needed help,” Beasley said.
The collection has expanded to include items for young women and young men. Organizers accept formal dresses, pantsuits, slacks, dress coats, ties, dress shoes, shirts, and costume jewelry.
Beasley was joined in the effort by Janie Kersey, Julissa Garcia, Marisol Herrera, Dayanne Almanza, and Nicole Russeau. Donations for future efforts can be coordinated for pickup or drop-off by contacting Beasley at 956-266-4780, Kersey at 956-346-3283, or Garcia at 956-923-0408.
Beasley said the community responded with several donations and has helped by sharing information about the drive.
The deadline to donate mum and garter items was Tuesday, while formal attire donations were accepted through Wednesday.
Rio Hondo’s homecoming football game was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, and the homecoming dance is set for Saturday, Sept. 19.
For Beasley, the effort is about more than just providing an outfit.
“This initiative isn’t about the clothing. It’s about the memories,” she said.
She said homecoming gives students an opportunity to dress up, spend time with friends, take pictures and create memories they may carry long after high school.
“The last thing we ever want a student to say is, ‘I didn’t go because I didn’t have anything to wear,’” Beasley said.
Organizers do not ask students for anything in return.
“The only thing we receive from this initiative is those endless smiles,” Beasley said, “and honestly, that’s more than enough.”