Gracie Canedy being recognized at the Sunrise Commission meeting. {City of Sunrise}
The Sunrise City Commission is honoring local teen Gracie Canedy for establishing the Compassion Closet, a new program that provides free school uniforms to students in need to ease the financial strain on families.
Canedy, a longtime Girl Scout who participates independently as a Juliette, earned the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award for creating the resource, which she designed to offer a sustainable, lasting benefit to the community. Inspired by her family’s experience of thrifting to stretch their budget, she set out to ensure students would not struggle to meet school dress code requirements.
“Many families in our community are unfortunately unprepared for the expense of uniforms, especially the number of outfits that are required to alternate during a five-day school week,” Canedy said. “Everyone deserves access to the basic necessities that allow them to attend school.”
Uniform essentials such as solid-color polos or khaki pants often cost more than casual clothing, creating a burden for families with multiple children or students who frequently change sizes. After identifying the need, Canedy partnered with school administrators and the Parent Teacher Student Association to open the first Compassion Closet at Horizon Elementary in Sunrise. Students can select items at no cost, and Canedy personally collects, cleans, sorts and organizes every donation.
During a recent City Commission meeting, officials presented Canedy with a Certificate of Achievement recognizing her leadership and community service.
“Those of us who spend a lot of time in schools recognize the financial challenges many families face when it comes to uniforms. Gracie saw the world around her and decided she could make it better,” Sunrise Mayor Michael J. Ryan said. “Her empathy, leadership, and determination are exceptional, and her Compassion Closet will have a very real impact on students for years to come.”
Since its launch, the program has provided 16 uniform donations, with dozens more ready for distribution. Two fully stocked clothing racks—holding roughly 80 items—are available as Canedy works to expand outreach to families. She is also tracking demand by size and grade level and has created an online feedback form, which has so far received overwhelmingly positive responses.
Residents or organizations interested in donating uniforms or suggesting additional Compassion Closet sites may call 754-265-6678.
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