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Catie's Closet
Catie’s Closet gives students in need life-changing access to clothing and basic necessities.
Catie’s Closet began as a tribute to our daughter, niece, sister, and friend, Catie Bisson, who passed away at the age of 20. As a teenager, Catie understood the barriers children in our own city experience , which keep them away from school. Catie felt strongly that education should not be a privilege. Catie’s legacy now lives on in Catie’s Closet, and we honor her memory by helping children access the essentials they need to attain an education.
Financials
Programs
In-School Closet Program
The In-School Closet Program allows Catie’s Closet to serve students right where they are: in school. We transform unused spaces inside schools where 50% or more of the student population lives in poverty. Accompanied to their closet by a trusted school faculty member, children can choose an unlimited number of items to empower them to learn and play confidently, including shirts, pants, sweatshirts, new underwear and socks, toiletries, and other essentials. Students can visit their school’s closet as often as they need during school hours.
SOS Urgent Response Program
The SOS Urgent Response Program supports the urgent needs of children transitioning between stable living conditions, including those who are homeless, moving into foster care, newcomers to the United States, fire victims, and survivors of abusive situations. Once we receive a special order from our agency partners, we work to create a customized package with up to two weeks’ worth of clothing and other essentials. Children typically receive their SOS orders within 24-48 hours to provide rapid relief.
Volunteering + Events
In-House Processing Party
Level up your Host a Drive and bring the volunteering experience to your office with our Processing Party Kit! Along with the flyer and supplies for your clothing/toiletry drive, we will send you a kit to sort and process your donations. The kit includes processing instructions and color coded materials to make your Processing Party a fun, engaging team opportunity that makes a big impact.
Sorting & Processing Donation at our DC
Be a part of the Catie’s Closet magic with your gift of time and assistance in sorting and processing donations! Volunteer opportunities are available at our Distribution Centers in two-hour, weekday shifts for groups of up to 15 people per shift.
Be a Closet Champion
Help us make every Closet experience warm and welcoming as a Closet Champion! A Closet Champion visits their assigned closet weekly/biweekly during school hours to make sure it is clean, well-stocked, and organized. If there are any items needed for the closet, the Closet Champion works directly with our Distribution Centers to restock the closet. There is the option for three to four people to share the responsibilities of the position.
