In remembering our simple beginnings, we dedicate
this page to Carol Galloway and Jo Ann Ross (two of the original
founders). Thank you for making our community a better
place to live!
The
Community Clothes Closet has been serving poor families since 1980
when it was established to provide free clothing to needy families
in the Fox River Valley region. Originally a small clothes closet
had been established to help residents living at the Outagamie
County Health Center. Seeing a greater need to help low income
families, individuals associated with Church Women United, Outagamie
County Human Services and other groups in the areas expanded the
service to the greater community in 1980.
Since that quiet beginning, the volunteers of the Community
Clothes Closet, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, have been collecting
and distributing clothing, blankets, towels and household items to
the needy, who are referred by other human service agencies such
as the Emergency Shelter, Red Cross, St. Joseph’s Food Program, Harbor
House, County Services, and many more. The recipients are able to
meet their clothing needs while using their limited income to meet
other primary needs such as food and shelter.
In response to increased client need, aging volunteers,
and the expected growth of the current program, The Community Clothes
Closet moved from its second floor location to expanded first floor
space at Opportunity Way, Menasha, Wisconsin, in December of 1996.
Locations over the years:
- In the basement of the old Outagamie County Health Center
- Short time in a small room on Walnut Street
- One classroom and then 3 classrooms on the bottom floor of St.
Joseph’s Grade School
- Second floor and basement of the Community Outreach Center on
N. Appleton & Harris Streets
- Current location at 1465-B Opportunity Way, Menasha, Wisconsin
