The Community Closet’s mission is larger than providing affordable second-hand clothing and household goods; they are also one of the largest charitable foundations in Park County. Since opening their doors in 2005 and taking in donations of goods that may have otherwise ended up in the landfill, the Community Closet has donated thrift sale proceeds to nonprofit activities in Park County – over $400,000 in cash grants as of December 2017 – to charitable groups from the 4-H Livestock Auction, to Meals on Wheels, to the Yellowstone Gateway Museum.
When you donate or shop at the Community Closet, the Curated Closet, or the Alley Annex, you are supporting nonprofit groups and activities throughout Park County. Not only does the Community Closet Board of Directors distribute grants four times annually, but also schools and non-profits have access to no-cost merchandise from the Community Closet’s shelves; from drum kits for the Park High band, to dog leashes for the Stafford Animal Shelter. The application process is easy; learn more at communitycloset.org/funding.
One nonprofit that’s benefited from the Community Closet’s grants is Counterpoint. Providing a wide array of supportive services for adults with disabilities in Park County since 1976, their mission is to nurture personal growth and support meaningful lives for adults with disabilities. Counterpoint received a Community Closet grant to purchase a Hewlett Packard TouchSmart Computer for clients. “They use it daily for education and entertainment. It gets lots of use and the people we work for enjoy and appreciate it,” says Counterpoint Executive Director, David Eaton. Counterpoint also received funding from the Community Closet for transportation to the Special Olympics, an annual goal for several clients.
Counterpoint is the recipient of the Community Closet’s February donation jar. Every month, the Community Closet chooses a Park County charity and shoppers have the opportunity to donate directly to the cause in the jar at the cash register counter.
Another way the Community Closet serves the community is by offering meaningful volunteer opportunities. Counterpoint clients volunteer weekly at the Community Closet and build their independent lifestyle skills by purchasing thrift items of their choice. “Clients benefit not just from the experience,” Eaton says, “but enjoy the inexpensive, high quality items they purchase.” Counterpoint is proud to be associated with the Community Closet Eaton says, “We appreciate their support and the Community Closet is a remarkable organization in so many ways.” Learn more about Counterpoint at counterpointinc.org and watch their inspiring video about Counterpoint clients’ immersion in the community.
Next time you have goods to donate to the Community Closet, or shop at one of their stores, you can enjoy the added benefit of knowing you are supporting organizations like Counterpoint.
If you know an organization or activity that may benefit from the Community Closet’s giving programs, encourage them to check out the qualifications and simple application process at communitycloset.org/funding or email communitycloset@yahoo.com. The 2018 funding application deadlines are: March 31, June 30, September 30, and November 24. The Community Closet is located at 416 East Park Street in Livingston and is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm.