Going shopping anytime soon? You can help kids at the Center at the same time!
Often times at the Center, our clients do not have the means to provide daily essentials to keep children in a safe and protected home. Several of these children have never received new clothes or a brand-new toy. This is where our Kid’s Closet comes in. The Kid’s Closet acts as a source to these special but necessary things. By giving them something they can truly call their own, they are able to boost their self-worth and even begin to restore hope.
According to our Program Manager, Brittany Williams, the Kid’s Closet acts as “an extra step we can take to support our families.” Often times, our clients “have financial burdens or are in a major crisis and we’re able to provide items they can use to get them going,” she said. “Other times it may be a child is being moved to a safer home and we can give them a blanket, toys, clothes and other things.”
“Depending on the situation, we can apply for emergency funds for the family,” Williams said.
In the Kid’s Closet, you can find everything from clothing, shoes, hygiene items, baby items, blankets and toys. We have a variety of needs and items that can be donated.
Immediate Needs
- Bus passes
- Household cleaning supplies
- New car seats
- Spring/summer clothes for boys and girls (Infants to 17 years)
- Shoes for boys and girls (Infants to 17 years)
- Undergarments for girls/boys/teens
- Warm clothing (All sizes)
- Throw blankets
- Socks
- Lice treatment
- Craft kits, coloring books for tweens and teens
- Hairbrushes and combs
- Backpacks and tote bags
- Deodorant
Daily needs
- Grocery store and discount store gift cards
- Pull-ups and wipes
- Sketch/art notebooks
- Markers – regular and fine tip
- Clay that can air dry
- Colored pencils
- Masking tape and solid colors and printed duct tape
- Washable paint
- Watercolor sets
- Gently used or new Barbie or Groovy Girl dolls
- Baby dolls
- Plastic beads for bracelet making
- Stuffed animals (small and medium sized)
- Stuffed dogs
- Children’s books in Spanish
- Paint brushes
- Sunscreen
- Glue
Additional Needs
- New shorts, t-shirts, sweatpants and jeans for children and teens
- New tennis shoes (all ages)
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- New sheets – twin, full, queen
- Safety hardware – outlet covers, drawer/cabinet locks
- Prepared meals and snacks for volunteer and investigator trainings
- Portable DVD player
- Blank, sealed DVDs
- New plastic storage containers
- Seasonal bedding plants and flowers
- Water bottles
“All items must be new,” Williams said. “We have a case by case basis for items that can be taken gently used.”
“We’re always accepting donations for the Kid’s Closet, big and small. Our top needed items vary by season or what is used the most at that time,” Williams said. “We’ve had companies and organizations host a Kid’s Closet Drive for the top items needed. You can always call us if you have questions.”
If you would like to donate to our Kid’s Closet or host your own drive, give us a call to let us know when you’re coming. We would love to see you!
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