Kids Closet of Duluth is a 501(c)3 non profit serving low income Head Start and Elementary School children living in Duluth with clothes needed for regular school attendance.  With the help of this most generous community, we furnish each child with a full set of winter outerwear, including boots and 4 outfits suitable for classroom use (one new and 3 used).  We stress a welcoming atmosphere for parents and clothes that are attractive and durable. Kids Closet of Duluth wishes to thank our major financial supporters: *The Duluth Public Schools *The Ordean Foundation *Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation *SMDC Foundation *Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation *Downtown Rotary *Friendly Kiwanis *Duluth Area Retired Educators Association *TransCanada Corporation *Minnesota Power *Thrivent Financial for Lutherans *Kohl's Department Store *AFL-CIO - Shoes for Tots *Garofalo Family Fund

It's True! Free clothes for Duluth school children in early childhood thru fifth grade who are in need. We outfit your child for school - gym shoes, socks, underwear, school outfits and winter outerwear, including boots. All donated locally for local children, we have both new and good quality used items. We serve by appointment only so apply early in the school year for best results. You are welcome to return in spring for more shoes and spring clothes.

Lakewood Students modeled winter jackets plus hats that were knit by third graders from their school!

Am I Eligible? Yes, if you are unable to buy the clothes your children need. We do not have set income guidelines. Talk to your school social worker or family advocate about your situation. They will help you with the required referral form. Most of our families are eligible for free lunch or have some special need - fire, job loss, recent move, military callup, or ? For your Appointment: Set the time for your appointment carefully and be sure to be on time. Many families are waiting for their turn. If you miss, we all lose valuable time! Call the scheduler or the Closet (218)476-2534 if you need to reschedule. Be sure to know the right sizes. We ask that you bring a drawing made around your child's foot. Shoe and boot sizes often vary.

Looking for School Clothes!

How can I help? You may donate good used clothing suitable for school. Sorry, we do not accept used shoes or boots. If you wish to Support the Kids Closet of Duluth Financially, send your Tax-Deductible Contribution to: Kids Closet of Duluth  Bethany Lutheran Church  2308 West 3rd Street Duluth, MN 55806 We are a 501(c)3 Charitible Organization. We are always looking for volunteers! Please consider joining our dedicated team of volunteers. The Kids Closet is pleased to announce that you can donate on-line with the link below: Give Minnesota!	Awards given to outstanding Kids Closet Supporters (More Below!). Jean Severance (left), founder, 19 year director and 25 year volunteer. The "Mother Theresa" of the Kids Closet. Pictured with Char Kerelko, current Kids Closet Director
	Tina Shaddox, founder of Charitable Crafters, responsible for hundreds of hand made hats, mittens, and scarves donated by area crafters
	Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC, our major religious donor, accepted by Kitty VanEvera of the Pilgrim Fund.
	The Duluth Public Schools, our major "in kind" supporter, accepted by Deb Sauter, principal of Laura MacArthur School.

Service Numbers: Our 2009 - 2010 year found 1029 students needing services in the fall, and 275 returned in the spring for further clothing.  Prior Years: 2008-2009 - 1047 and 235. 2007-2008 - 1016 and 234. 2006-2007 - 980 and 176.  2005-2006 - 1009 and 201.

Volunteers working to move us into our new room!

Kids Closet celebrates 25 years of service to the children of Duluth with a Fashion Show featuring volunteer Duluth School District students.

Make sure you scroll below to see all of our show!

Mary Anne Quackenbush, Kids Closet Treasurer, giving out door prize tickets to children attending the show.

The Emcee of the show, Sandy Drag of WDIO-TV

A Student models a new outfit

The school bus loaded with student models

The Laura MacArthur Choir, all dressed up in donated used clothes from the Kids Closet collection, serenaded the audience with two musical selections.

Kids Closet had the honor of being selected as the "charity of choice" for the August 2009 convention of the Minnesota Association of Food Service Employees.  The conventioneers donated their time to cut out hats, mittens and scarves from fleece material.  Patterns were furnished by Kathy Thomas of Yarn Harbor, Duluth  and Laura Tankin, the activities program director of St. Anne's Residence, Duluth.  Kohl's Department Store sent their "A" team and contributed $500 toward the price of the materials. The convention was held at the DECC and our project was housed in Edmund Fitzgerald Hall.  In the end, hundreds of scarves, mittens and hats were produced for the children of Duluth.  The hats and mittens cut out were later sewn together by the St. Anne's craft department.  Thanks to all of the wonderful people who helped!


Bringing in supplies - Three hundred yards of fleece.


 

		Volunteer helpers from Kohl's 'A' Team
Instructions for cutting out patterns
Lessons on how to sew fleece.
		Helpers from St. Anne's Residence demonstrate knitting looms.
Making sure everyone has scissors
Cutting out fleece begins
Food service conventioneers hard at work!
		The knitting circle coached by Kathy Thomas of Yarn Harbor.
Another knitting circle lead by Julie from the FLOCK charitable knitting club.

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Honors Kids Closet of Duluth!

Holly Sampson, President of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation poses with Kids Closet volunteers to contratulate them on winning the 2010 Touchstone award for fostering generosity.  In 2004, the Kids Closet was honored by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation for Volunteerism.
 


Pictured:
Front Row: Holly Sampson, Bonnie Harstedt, Jean Severance, Marilyn Fleming
Back Row: Char Kerelko, Barb Mathson, Kay Bushey, Dan Kerelko

For more information on the award, please follow this link:
http://www.dsacommunityfoundation.com/2010_Touchstone.shtml

Kids Closet of Duluth has moved to Bethany Lutheran Church, 2308 W. 3rd Street, Duluth.