IRENE PAPAN has dedicated ten years and countless hours clothing over 6,000 children in San Mateo County. She is the founder of John’s Closet, established in 1988 in memory of her son John. John’s Closet, a nonprofit foundation, is an all volunteer program with no overhead that provides new clothes to children. Irene feels that new clothes “level the playing field” and enable children to be full participants in the academic experience by helping to promote confidence and self-esteem. John’s Closet is run by 30 dedicated volunteers, has no telephone bills and no rent payments. With her husband, Lou, she established a Memorial Scholarship Fund that awards scholarships to special education programs and late-blooming high school seniors. Irene has been recognized by the City Councils of Daly City, Pacifica and South San Francisco for her tireless efforts on behalf of children and she was featured on the Channel 7 program “Sunday On Seven” which recognizes outstanding volunteers in the community. Her efforts signify the true spirit of commitment to our country’s greatest resource – our children.
