Community Clothes Closet

2012-01-30T14:50:00.003-06:00

We just had a telephone call from a plus size gentleman. He desperately needed clothing and was unable to find his size at the Community Clothes Closet. He said his clothes were so worn out - it is embarrassing to go out in public.

Not wanting any special treatment he was hesitant to ask us for help. But we are glad he did! We were able to find him some pants and shirts in great condition (some of them were new!).

When we called to tell him we found his sizes - he was thrilled and can hardly wait to pick them up tonight.

Concerned Teacher

2012-01-27T12:01:00.004-06:00

We received a phone call from a grade school teacher requesting some clothing items for a couple of her students. These students desperately needed pants, socks, hats and gloves for the cold winter months of Wisconsin.

We gathered up the items for the students. It was a Wednesday evening when the teacher came rushing through the door just before clothing. She was thrilled that we could help her with the closing. We explained that she could refer the families to our services. She sadly replied, "The parents would not bring the children to the CCC."

Thinking back to that evening we reflect on the warmth and caring nature of the teacher who was concerned enough to help two struggling children. We think about the kindness of our community to donate the clothing to help people in need. We truly live in an amazing community.

2012-01-20T14:51:00.003-06:00

We are sooooo excited about the upcoming Pajama Rama event. What is Pajama Rama? It is an event just for the Community Clothes Closet children ages 1 to 12 to receive brand NEW pajamas, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and books! The best part is the event takes place at the Building for Kids Children's Museum. Our young clients can have fun at the Children's Museum and then pick out warm pj's and more for their own snuggle sack!

The Pajama Rama takes place on February 10th! We are expecting a big crowd of happy children and parents. You can help with this event by donating a pair of new pajamas, blanket, pillow, stuffed animal or book to the Community Clothes Closet. Financial donations are always welcomed so we can purchase pajama sizes we need.

Sweet ZZZZ'S Are Made Of These!

Gone Too Soon

2012-01-19T18:10:00.003-06:00

We have a sad announcement to share with our readers. Pat, the CCC's blogger lost her battle with cancer. Our hearts are heavy but our lives are richer for having known her. She was an amazing woman and friend.

We will miss you Pat - thank you for your dedication to the Community Clothes Closet.

2011 Being Cool for School

2011-07-09T16:27:00.007-05:00

We have the final total of our Being Cool for School statistics for 2011.

· Families Served – 555

· Children Served - 1401

· Items Distributed – 63,742

It was an incredible day filled with kind hearts and grateful people. Thanks to everyone involved, and thanks to all of you who donated to this wonderful event.

Fox 11 video of the event: click here

Vintage Fashion Show 2011

2011-07-09T16:14:00.003-05:00

The CCC would like to thank everyone who attended and/or helped with this year's Vintage Fashion Show. We hope those in attendance enjoyed their trip back in time.

Cinderella Boutique

2011-03-04T15:43:00.006-06:00

The Community Clothes Closet held the Cinderella Boutique on Saturday, April 2. Beautiful prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and cosmetics were made available for the girls so they can get ready to go to the prom. We had 29 girls attend, receiving 458 items. They all looked beautiful in their prom dresses!

Here are a few comments from the girls:

"There are so many pretty dresses and nice people. I loved it!"

"My fairy godmothers gave me their opinions on the dresses. I got shoes, jewelry and makeup too. Thanks!"

Pajama Rama, Feb. 25--What a wonderful day

2011-01-31T19:34:00.010-06:00

We would like to thank the Fox Valley community for a wonderful day at the Building for Kids in downtown Appleton. We made many young people happy and they had a great time.

Check out a video showing a small part of the fun that was had at the event by visiting our facebook page: Clothes Closet on facebook

Being Cool for School 2010

2010-08-30T17:02:00.001-05:00

Our 2010 Being Cool for School was a great success. We had 667 families attend the event, and we helped 1,322 children get ready to go back to school with new clothing, shoes, and supplies. Over 51,728 items were distributed (not including the free root beer floats, ice cream cones and more)! Thank you to all our volunteers who helped with the event, and a big thank you to everyone who contributed funds to help put smiles on the faces of kids returning to school.

If parents were to purchase (on sale) the items distributed at this event, it would have cost them $130 - $150 per child. Imagine the relief we brought to families in need during these difficult times.

WHO ARE WE?

2009-05-09T12:45:00.005-05:00

The Community Clothes Closet is a non-profit community service that provides free clothing to people in need. All of the shoppers/clients who come to the CCC have been screened by human service agencies such as the Salvation Army, St. Joseph's Food Program, Harbor House, Emergency Shelters, Red Cross and many others. In 2008, the CCC served more than 11,000 individuals; distributed more than 308,000 clothing items, free of charge; and provided school clothing and supplies to children in need.

The Community Clothes Closet shopping floor looks and feels just like a retail store, except for one thing--the shoppers don't have to pay for any of the clothing! However, we do have a structured quota system in place to ensure fair and equitable distribution for all.

Click here to see a video of the shopping floor.

How Can You Help?

2009-05-08T12:42:00.009-05:00

Money to Keep Our Doors Open: In these hard economic times, we find ourselves in greater need now than ever before. Please consider helping us out by contributing financially to our wonderful program.

Besides monetary donations, we really need at this time:

children's clothing and shoes
men's clothing and shoes

Also see our wish list off to the right for additional items in need at the CCC.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS

2009-05-07T12:32:00.009-05:00

New Start Boutique. Clients seeking employment get a professional looking outfit to help them make a great first impression at their interview.

Being Cool for School. This program is held each fall for the children of clients. Each child receives one brand-new outfit and school supplies which helps them feel "cool for school."

Cinderella Boutique. Underprivileged girls receive a beautiful prom dress of their choice as well as jewlery, shoes, and makeup.

Special Occasions Program. This program lends out formal wear to underprivileged families for special days and events, such as weddings, baptisms, proms, etc.

Bundle of Joy. More than 30 new baby items make up our layettes for new mothers.

Forward Motion. The club consists of kids who want to help other kids. They work together as a team to improve our Children's Department.

Vintage Fashion Show 2009

2009-05-01T21:25:00.003-05:00

Fashion Show 2009 short video: click here

Our Vintage Fashion Show fundraiser on May 3, 2009 was a success. Everyone had fun reminiscing about the outrageous fashions from the past, and many attendees walked out the door with some of those vintage fashions.

We thank our sponsors, silent auction contributors and especially all of you who attended the event.

EVENTS

2008-09-28T12:35:00.008-05:00

PIGS IN A BLANKET

This collaborative family event sponsored by the Community Clothes Closet and St. Joseph Food Program was made possible because of a $10,000 grant provided by the J.J. Keller Foundation. Client families received one ham, a package of 15-bean soup mix, cornbread mix, sausage links, pancake mix, syrup and cookbook. Each child was given a blanket, a pair of socks, a pair of mittens, and a hat. It was a warm and fuzzy day for everyone involved. Almost 5,000 items were distributed that day to people in need.

YEARLY EVENT:

We had a very successful "Being Cool for School" event again this year. We helped even more children of families in need to receive new clothing for going back to school, new school supplies and a gift certificate for new shoes. The smiles on faces of the children who participated will be a lasting memory for all the volunteers who helped.

We thank everyone who helped or contributed financially to this wonderful event.

Dollar a Collar

Several businesses have participated in our "Dollar a Collar" fundraising campaign. If your business would be interested in helping us raise funds by particpating in this event, please call Diane at the CCC.

Volunteer Appreciation

2008-09-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Without all of our volunteers, the Community Clothes Closet could not function. Not only do they help to keep our closet doors open, they help to make us a "closet with a heart." We appreciate everyone who volunteers for our organization.

If you are looking for a place to volunteer and help others, please consider us. There are a variety of positions where you can work.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS

One of our volunteers was awarded the Green Bay Packer Quarterback Award in 2007. Gert Schmieder has been a Community Clothes Closet volunteer for over 30 years. She is a special lady, and at 101 years old she is a role model for the rest of our volunteers.

---Stories From the Closet---

2008-09-28T12:04:00.000-05:00

TEARS OF JOY
by Barb McEwen

The daily lives for some people are just like the days we have been having this past winter. Every day seems like the same old thing; day after day and nothing seems to change. The weather will eventually change and life will improve with the warm days that are approaching. However, we can only anticipate when the break in the weather will happen.

About a half hour before closing, there was a woman trying to hurry to get her clothes for work the next day. She had arrived with plenty of time to shop, but was becoming frustrated trying to find professional clothes she desperately needed. There were a few articles in her cart, but she was trying to pick out clothes quickly because time was running out. She needed professional looking clothes and with limited time it was difficult to find her size and style that was on the floor.

I asked her if she would like to look at some outfits from our New Start Boutique. This was her unexpected break. This woman got several outfits that looked like they were made for her. She could hardly contain herself with her new wardrobe that would take care of all her working needs. To her, it was like walking into a fancy boutique in New York and walking out with clothes that she never thought she would own. Not having to worry about tomorrow's work clothes filled her eyes with tears. She thanked every volunteer and gave me a huge hug when leaving. I followed behind her to lock up and when she was stepping out the door, she turned and said, "I'm going right over to my sister's house and show off all my clothes. I cannot thank you guys enough. Thank you for making me smile today."

Just like these endless gloomy winter days that change into bright sunlight hours, so do the lives that are altered by the Community Clothes Closet.

It Takes More Than Pocket Change . . .

2008-09-28T11:30:00.001-05:00

Operating the Community Clothes Closet on a daily basis is difficult when you don't have any revenue coming in from the people who use your services. Last year we gave away over 306,000 items to needy families. We are like a retail store only we don't charge a penny for our clothing. Our program completely depends on the generosity of individuals, local businesses, service groups, grants and churches. We rely on the kindness of people just like you.

Would you please help us make a difference in the lives of needy people by sending a financial contribution to the address at the top of this website?