For children whose families struggle to afford necessities, the lack of proper clothing can hurt their self-esteem and sense of belonging. However, organizations such as The CARE Closet are stepping in to provide free clothing, offering not just essentials—but a chance for these children to walk with confidence and pride.
With a focus on dignity and respect, according to The CARE Closet website, they ensure that every child not only gets the basics, but also has the opportunity to make their own choices while walking away with a smile.
The CARE Closet, Kentucky’s first nonprofit organization, gives children in need a chance to “shop” for free clothing and personal care items. Since opening in 2016, the organization has helped over 3,300 children and 790 adults, all at no cost.
“The CARE Closet’s mission is about dignity. The kids absolutely light up with huge smiles when they come to ‘shop,’” founder of The CARE Closet, Carol Weinel said.
With locations in schools throughout the Northern Kentucky area, such as Newport Primary and Intermediate, Glenn O. Swing, Bellevue Middle/High, and Ockerman Middle/High School, The CARE Closet provides a convenient and reliable source of support for students at a variety of campuses.
“The CARE Closet offers a valuable service by providing designated rooms at various schools where students in need can access clothing and other essentials,” head girls’ basketball coach at Highlands High School, Jamie Richey said.
As a nonprofit organization, the CARE Closet’s dedicated volunteers and staff are driven not by financial gain but by a genuine commitment to supporting the community and making a positive impact on the lives of people in need.
“I think the CARE Closet allows students to help and feel more connected to their community and other people who are in need,” Isa Neufarth (11) said.
The CARE Closet allows many students and other individuals to volunteer and give back to their community.
“You can go to the CARE Closet to help sort clothes, load or unload packages, separate clothing items by size, make sure there aren’t any items in pockets, and much more,” Neufarth said.
As part of the 2024 Homecoming celebrations, the FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America) club at Highlands was inspired to give back to the community.
FCCLA organized a collection drive to benefit The CARE Closet, focusing on items they needed. The club gathered various hygiene products, including deodorants, shampoos, conditioners, and other necessities. The CARE Closet is always looking for donations, and the FCCLA’s efforts helped support this community resource.
“We asked the CARE Closet what their biggest needs were right now, and they gave us a list of what they truly need at the moment,” FCCLA director and teacher at Highlands High School, Ahren Wagner said.
Donating to The CARE Closet not only helps those in need but also provides benefits to the donors. By contributing items, donors can clean up their homes and repurpose unused belongings for a greater cause. Additionally, those who assist with organizing and supporting The CARE Closet can earn service hours, making the experience both rewarding and impactful.
“Donors have the opportunity to declutter by passing on clothes they no longer need, giving them a new life with those who can truly benefit from them,” Richey said.
Broadening one’s awareness of other people’s situations allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges others face. It opens their eyes to the struggles and needs of those around them, even outside of their town.
By truly seeing and empathizing with others, an individual is better able to offer support, whether through small acts of kindness or more crucial efforts. This expanded perspective not only enhances people’s own lives, but also enables them to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.
“It just broadens your awareness of other people’s situations, and that not everyone has a home life like us or a set of parents like us. It’s about understanding that there are people out there who need help for lots of reasons,” Wagner said.
