Close to 300 kids in Winchester and Frederick County Schools don't have a home. Some of them are living with their parents in cars and out in tents in the woods. One closet is providing endless opportunities for children in Winchester.

"There's nothing more endearing honestly then working with a child who is so incredibly appreciative," said Daniel Morgan Middle School Parent Volunteer Sarah Bell. "Some children say it's the best day they've ever had."

Sarah Bell is a mom of three kids. While she's able to pay for clothes for her kids, she meets a lot of kids whose families can't. She has been helping out with the "Clothes Closet" at Daniel Morgan Middle School for about three years now.

"When those basic needs are met then they can just soar academically," said Daniel Morgan Middle School Principal Sarah Kish.

It's not just a shirt on their backs that people here at school are helping out with.

There are about 40 homeless students just at Daniel Morgan Middle School, and some of them go to the nurse's office to take a shower. Nurses and volunteers even do their laundry. Students at Daniel Morgan can walk into the nurses office to get what they need such as shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and snacks. Or they can go into the "Clothes Closet" for jeans, shirts, shoes or jackets. And they just recently started...

"A formal clothes," said Kish.

So they can dress up for games, choral and band concerts and other school events.

"Students use the "Closet" every day," said Bell.

"The need is great because our homeless population continues to grow," said Kish.

The community is stepping up to tackle that need. All week, Crown Trophy is working with "In My Shoes" to collect shoes for homeless children in both Winchester and Frederick County Schools.

"There is a great need for the kids in our community too that are living in cars at campgrounds," said Coordinator for Homeless Youth Collection Sharon Farinholt. "They're the silent ones that we don't really hear about much."

Which is why what's happening in this closet and our community is so important.

About 100 students are homeless in the Winchester Public School system, and more than half the students are on the free or reduced lunch program.

You can't hear this and not think what do I have that I could give. You can always drop off donations directly at Daniel Morgan Middle School. This week through Friday February 15th, you can drop off shoes and toiletries at Crown Trophy, all Winchester United Bank Branches, LL McKee Salon and Posh Pets Boutique.

© Copyright 2013 TV3 Winchester / Gray Television Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.