Catie’s Closet improves school attendance and removes social stigma by providing clothing to students living below the poverty line. For students in grades Pre-K through 12, we build “stores” or “walk-in closets” inside schools so kids have immediate access to what they need, free of charge.
Providing up-to-date clothing and shoes, new toiletries, and school supplies to students – in a sensitive and discreet environment – increases students’ self esteem and sense of belonging. Students want to attend school and can do so without the worry, distraction, and social consequences of not fitting in.
Catie’s Closet has evolved from a family-sponsored project into a social enterprise. The project began as a tribute to Catie Bisson, a graduate of Lowell High School who was passionate about the power of education. Catie was a sophomore at Bridgewater University when she passed away at the age of 20 due to a connective tissue disorder. Her dream was to be a writer and author. Catie felt strongly that education should not be a privilege and so her family sought to honor her memory by helping kids succeed in school. They opened the first Catie’s Closet in a single school.
Today, Catie’s Closet serves 12,000 students in 22 schools in Lowell, MA and Hudson and Nashua, NH.
(Text above from the Catie's Closet website)
If you have unneeded children's or teen's clothing, please consider donating to Catie's Closet. They are currently in dire need of the following items:
Youth Girls:
*Sweats - sizes 4 thru 8 and size 12
*Jeans - Sizes 4 thru 8 and sizes 12 thru 16
Pants - Sizes 4 thru 8 and sizes 12 thru 16
Long sleeve tops - Sizes 4,5,8,14, & 16
Sweatshirts - all sizes
Youth Boys:
*Sweats - Sizes 4 thru 16
*Jeans - Sizes 4 thru 14
*Pants - Sizes 4 thru 16
Long sleeve tops - Sizes 8,10,12,14,16
Sweatshirts - all sizes
Teen Boy:
Sweatpants - all sizes
Long sleeve tops - Size Small and Medium
Sweatshirts - all sizes
Teen Girl:
Tops - XXL
Jeans - Sizes 9,11,13,15,17
Sweats - All sizes
The Catie's Closet Donation Center is located at 16 School Street in Dracut, MA and is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 9 AM to noon.
