Student Continues Years-Long Support of Marian Regional Medical Center’s Pediatric Closet

Janeth Ruiz has made a habit of collecting discarded clothing from her school and donating it to hospital

While summer break is a time for relaxation and fun, one local student is continuing her mission to help those in need. 

Janeth Ruiz, a soon-to-be 12-year-old who just finished up sixth grade at Joe Nightingale Elementary in Orcutt, has been a dedicated supporter of Marian Regional Medical Center’s Pediatric Closet since kindergarten, transforming discarded clothing into a lifeline for families in need. 

This week, Janeth continued her tradition, donating around 150 items, mostly sweaters and jackets, collected from her school’s lost and found to the hospital’s Pediatric Closet. This contribution is the latest in a series of generous donations Janeth has made throughout her childhood. 

“The best part is knowing that these clothes are going to people in need – to people who can’t afford them or get them easily,” Janeth says. 

Janeth’s commitment began when she noticed the abundance of unclaimed clothing at her school. Instead of letting these items sit there, she partnered with her mother, Teresa, to collect, launder, and donate the gently used garments. Her efforts have turned the school’s lost and found into a valuable resource for local families. 

“We’re so proud that Janeth continues to think of others and find ways to help her community,” her mother Teresa says. 

Beyond her philanthropic endeavors, Janeth is a vibrant and well-rounded young woman. She dances with Ballet Folklórico Corazón de la Costa, participates in Girl Scouts, and has taken up acting.

Janeth’s actions embody the spirit of the Pediatric Closet, established in 2016 through a partnership between Marian Regional Medical Center and the Children’s Resource Network of the Central Coast. The closet, dedicated to the memory of registered nurse Janet Davila, provides essential clothing and supplies to local families in need. 

“It’s not just the donations themselves, but Janeth’s thoughtfulness and dedication that truly impress me,” says Patty Herrera, Director of Community Health for Dignity Health’s hospitals on the Central Coast. “She saw a problem – usable items going unused – and found a creative solution that directly benefits families in need. Her heart for service is an inspiration to all of us at Marian.” 

For more information about Marian Regional Medical Center, visit Dignityhealth.org/Marian.