DeKALB – The Huskie Closet, launched in spring 2022 under the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, provides students with casual, winter and career clothing for free.
The student-initiated project allows students to donate extra clothing and volunteer their time at the closet. Faculty and staff are also encouraged to donate clothing and volunteer at the Huskie Closet.
“This was students who came to us, one of whom happened to be an NNGO student, and they were like, ‘We have an idea. We think that the community could use a clothing closet, and it matches exactly what we do,’” said Julie Ann O’Connell, the assistant director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. “And that is how non-profits start: When people see a need, and they want to meet that need.”
O’Connell emphasized the project’s purpose of helping those in need.
“We care for people who have serious needs. We love all the people in our community, and we try to get them what they need,” O’Connell said.
Despite their dedication to helping those lacking in resources, the Huskie Closet is open to students regardless of their financial situation.
“It might not have to be this huge, burning need,” O’Connell said. “If we can provide students with free clothing that is donated, and that can free up money that can go to books or rent or gas or gear, or whatever it is – if we can help provide those kinds of things, then let’s do that.”
Outside of providing casual and professional clothing for students, the Huskie Closet supports international students in dealing with cold weather.
“We have international students who come here who are not prepared for cold weather,” O’Connell said. “I can see a huge difference in our students who have really serious needs, especially for cold weather clothing.”
The Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies provides two paid, year-long internships in which students help operate the closet. Other Nonprofit and NGO students volunteer at the closet to apply their learning to the real world.
Those looking to volunteer can sign up on their volunteer sign up website.
The Huskie Closet is open from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays in the Chick Evans Field House.
For more information on the Huskie Closet and the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, visit their website.
