Our Purpose
Kids’ Kloset provides clothes to school aged children who would otherwise not have access to this basic need. By giving new clothes and shoes to children, we hope that they will be able to attend school with the extra confidence they need to help make their school experience successful. We also hope that they feel the love of Christ and their community reaching out to them and recognizing them as special and worthy individuals.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:12, 17
Our History
In 1989 St John’s Episcopal Church of Centralia saw a need to provide basic back-to -school clothing and supplies for children in our community. All families are eager to have their children do well in school, but some lack the resources to provide the clothes and materials needed to support their students.
Kids’ Kloset was born to fill that need.
In the beginning years, the clothing distribution was a one-day event, serving 293 children the first year. As word got out, and more families were in need, St John’s encouraged other churches and community volunteers to help. In 2001 the Kids’ Kloset location was moved to Immanuel Lutheran Church, where the number of children served continued to grow. For a few years, the number of students receiving clothes and supplies topped 1,000. Even though the distribution lasted only one day, the planning and organization of this event was a massive undertaking and Kids’ Kloset volunteers worked diligently all year long to prepare for it. Dozens of churches, service groups, businesses and hundreds of community volunteers were involved in making sure Kids’ Kloset distribution day was a success.
In 2019, the decision was made to pivot the ministry from a single event to a year-round offering. The intent was to focus efforts on the neediest families. Having a stock of clothing for kids available year-round could also help parents whose kids outgrow clothes or need winter items later in the school year. The year-long service meant that in times of desperation, such as flood, fire, or eviction, Kids’ Kloset doors would be open to help. At this same time, it was decided to ask that families receiving service be referred to Kids’ Kloset through school counselors and organizations such as Salvation Army, Love Inc, or DSHS. Using referrals was a means to reach the families who truly needed the most help.
During the Covid years, it became less practical for families to physically come into the Kids’ Kloset facility at Immanuel Lutheran Church. During this time, an on-line referral form was created. Parents could fill in the referral form requesting sizes, colors, and styles for their child. A volunteer would pull clothes from the storage tubs and, with mask on, deliver a bag of clothes to the door. This system became a more efficient means to get clothes to children in need quickly. And so the system remains in place today.
Families are referred to Kids’ Kloset, fill in a referral form online, and clothes are packed by a trained volunteer. The family may choose to have the clothes delivered to home or to school. If the family prefers, packages may still be picked up at Immanuel Lutheran.
Even though Kids’ Kloset has gone through some evolutions in the last 35 years, the main intent remains the same: to help children gain self esteem with new shoes and clothes so that their school experience may be a little brighter. Equally important, to give that gift in the name of Jesus and with the love of their community.
Make a Request
Kids’ Kloset is for families that are in need of clothing for their school aged children.
One morning a kindergartner cried to his mom that he didn’t want to go to school because his shoes hurt his toes. Mom didn’t have money for new shoes that week. She contacted the school counselor who connected her to Kids’ Kloset. Volunteers talked to mom, packed clothes for the boy, and delivered them to his school the same day. The school office reported a huge smile when he saw his new shoes. This is what Kids’ Kloset is about. We want children to feel comfortable and confident, and sometimes new clothes can help make that happen!
Please fill out the following form completely, this will ensure that your child receives correctly sized clothes.
Each child receives the following:
1 Hooded sweatshirt
2 Shirts
2 Bottoms
1 Pair of tennis shoes
- Socks
- Underwear
*Please fill out one form per child.
Hear From Our Local Schools!
Natasha Babka, McKinney-Vento liaison, Centralia School District
“Kids Kloset has been one of our most generous and in-demand non-profits in Centralia. The Kids Kloset Team goes above and beyond to meet the needs of CSD’s students in need; many times calling me to double-check on an order to make sure a student’s needs are met. It is one of our most crucial local non-profits, and we would not be able to connect our families with clothing and shoes and coats at this rate without Kids Kloset’s generosity, thoughtfulness, and abundance. Thank You Kids Kloset, we truly wouldn’t be able to get by without you.”
DeeDee Judd, Cornerstone Education Coordinator, Chehalis School District
“Here at Cornerstone/Chehalis School District, we work hard to connect resources to families who need it most. Without programs like Kids’ Kloset, many parents wouldn’t be able to meet the basic need of clothing for their children. We are beyond grateful for all that Kids’ Kloset does for our Chehalis families and the community as a whole.”
Make an impact today
Support Kids’ Kloset by contributing a donation.
If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact Immanuel Lutheran Church at 360.736.9270