The Clothes Closet has been a success but needs community support

Huntsville High School’s The Clothes Closet, a free shop located in the school that provides everything from shoes and jeans to prom wear, is seeking donations from the community to meet high demand.

Karen Litchfield was inspired to create The Clothes Closet after her sister started a similar initiative in the States and noticed a significant increase in the confidence of students.

“Unfortunately, society puts a lot of stigma around how you look and dress,” says Litchfield, “My mom passed away when I was a little girl and my dad couldn’t afford our clothes so I understand how it feels to show up to school with no confidence.”

After a lot of hard work from volunteers, staff members and local businesses, The Clothes Closet opened its doors in November 2016 and has outfitted over 540 students since its inception.

Litchfield has assistance from three volunteers in the community that help with the shop—Kim O’Grady, Kate Cox and Traci McIlroy.

“My goal when starting The Clothes Closet was to make fashionable clothes accessible to all students, no matter their family’s income,” says Litchfield.

She stresses that the shop is open to all students, not just students from low-income households, as second-hand shopping is for everyone. Being an environmentalist, she also wants to create a positive outlook on going green and shopping used.

“Clothing is the number two pollutant in the world so it’s crucial that we eliminate the amount of clothes that pile up in the landfill,” says Litchfield.

The majority of the items in the shop are gently used with light wear, and have all been washed. New bras, underwear and socks are purchased by Litchfield regularly to include in the shop as well.

And thanks to a District of Muskoka Pay it Forward grant, most of which has been used by now, Litchfield has also been able to shop for special items that students have requested such as shoes and winter coats.

While Litchfield is grateful for the amount of support so far, she stresses that unless more donations are made throughout the year then they won’t be able to sustain the shop.

The Clothes Closet is open to HHS students every Thursday during lunch hour. While all students can pick up items for free, donations are always happily accepted.

If you wish to make a monetary or clothing donation, please contact Karen Litchfield at 705-788-9698 or email [email protected].

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