The Closet was founded in 2010 by Kelly McMurry, a community member who saw a need and wanted to help. Blending her love of clothing and desire to make a difference (and unfaltering support from husband, Matt), Kelly dreamed up The Closet. Today, thousands of teens have visited our storefront for much-needed clothing items and some personalized support and compassion.
Our Mission
Providing free clothes to teens
in need.
How does it work? Ada County teens in grades 6-12 hear about The Closet through their school counselors, juvenile corrections case managers, homeless shelters, other local agencies, or their own online search for help. They have the option to schedule a private, one-hour “shopping” spree with a personal stylist. Our stylists lead with empathy and compassion and provide guidance to the teens as they choose up to 12 high-quality items, including gently used clothing, brand new undergarments, socks, and toiletries.
While The Closet’s primary goal is to clothe our young clients in items they feel proud to wear, we also prioritize creating a personal relationship with each one. We get to know them, and in turn, they open up and trust us to help them choose those perfect items that will build their confidence and help them engage with the world in a more meaningful way.
“Thank you so much. Not only did I get new clothes, I got to smile and laugh, and build a life worth living.”
Over the past decade, we have worked with more than 5,000 teens in need. In recent years, each teen that has come in for new clothes has signed our gratitude wall. It’s a visually impactful way for us to see just how many lives we’ve been able to touch. In fact, we’ve had to add three new wall panels to make room for more signatures.
How it’s possible
The Closet, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit that relies solely on generous support from individuals and retailers in the community. Through in-kind donations of new and gently used items, as well as financial contributions, we are able to continuously build partnerships with various organizations that aid teens in need. As a volunteer-powered organization, The Closet also relies on donations of time. From organizing and sorting items to supporting client appointments, our day-to-day operations would not be possible without the help of our volunteers.