Volunteer Group Seeks Donations of Winter Clothing for Students and Families

Lafayette’s “It’s My Closet” Seeks Community Support this Winter

As winter begins to tighten its grip on Greater Lafayette, Indiana, the Lafayette School Corporation’s initiative, “It’s My Closet,” is reaching out for public assistance. Now in its 19th year, this volunteer-run clothing pantry operates out of a modest location behind the former Durgan Elementary School, situated at 1840 S. 18th Street, and serves approximately 140 families within the school district.

With the first frosts marking the shift to colder weather, organizers Donna Osborn and Melinda Gilbert have issued an urgent appeal for winter clothing donations. “We’re really in need of winter items for our students,” Osborn stated, emphasizing the importance of having warm, appropriate clothing during these chilly months.

For many families in Greater Lafayette, the change of season means digging through closets to gather winter clothes. Osborn encourages residents to consider donating gently used items that may have been outgrown or simply left to gather dust. “Anything a high school kid would wear is what we’re needing. We particularly need clothes for boys aged 5 to 18. We tend to receive plenty of girls’ items, but we can’t seem to meet the demand for teenage boys’ clothing,” she added.

One of the unique aspects of “It’s My Closet” is the shopping experience it provides for students. Registered students of the Lafayette School Corporation are allowed to visit the store once a month, where they can shop for 30 minutes, choosing items that cater to their individual styles and needs. The program not only provides clothing but also essential toiletries and hygiene products to ensure students have what they need to maintain their personal care throughout the month.

In addition to clothing, Osborn shared that the program extends its services to siblings and parents, providing them with necessary items as well. Each month, children can look forward to receiving brand-new items, such as a new shirt and a new pair of pants. The program also takes special care during October and November; in October, kids receive an additional two new pairs of socks, and in November, two new pairs of underwear.

“The generosity of our community makes all of this possible,” Osborn expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. “We are blessed to be able to provide for these children. We strive to give them a sense of normalcy and joy in their lives through the services we offer. That’s our ultimate goal.”

However, for “It’s My Closet” to continue its vital work, ongoing donations—both in clothing and monetary support—are essential. As temperatures continue to drop and the demand for winter clothing rises, the need for community support has never been more urgent. If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of local families, consider rummaging through your own closet for winter essentials that could benefit others.

If you’re interested in contributing to this worthwhile cause, the program has provided resources for potential donors. For specific information on donation times and additional details, please visit the dedicated page at jeffersonhighschool.org/students/it_s_my_closet. It’s important to note that “It’s My Closet” will be closed from October 21 through November 1 for the LSC fall break, so be sure to plan accordingly.

As the season unveils its frosty touch, let’s come together as a community to ensure that our students not only stay warm but also feel valued and supported. Every donation, no matter how small, can help make a significant impact in the lives of these young individuals.

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If you’d like to stay updated on community initiatives and support programs, feel free to reach out to us or share your own experiences with local outreach efforts. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this winter in Greater Lafayette!

Jillian Ellison is a dedicated reporter for the Journal and Courier, aiming to shed light on local initiatives and community efforts. You can contact her via email at jellison@gannett.com or follow her on X @ellison_writes.