CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- People in need of clothing and more find themselves doing some “shopping” at Our Caring Closet in southwest suburban Wilmington, where they can get those items for free.
“About 13 years ago, Our Caring Closet started by helping young mothers and single parents that brought their children to the WIC program at the Methodist church,” said Bonnie Huston, a board member and volunteer of the non-profit organization.
Bonnie Huston said Our Caring Closet now is in a location that has 3,000 square feet of space.
“We give not only baby clothing, but we have donations of adult clothing, housewares, books, toys," she said.
Huston said Our Caring Closet helps everyone from single moms and homeless people to teens in need of prom dresses and residents of a veteran’s home.
“We have a lot of grandparents that end up raising their grandchildren, unfortunately now days. They’ll be desperate. They’ll be just getting custody of their grandchildren and they don’t have anything,” she said.
Board member and volunteer coordinator Judy Johnson said the need for help has grown during the pandemic.
“Last month, 38 communities had somebody that had come down to Wilmington to shop at our store,” Johnson said.
Our Caring Closet is located at 205 N. First Street in Wilmington, and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. It’s also a Difference Maker.
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