Clothes Closet & More gearing up for Cinderella’s Closet prom program

By Michelle Dillon

receivables@thecherokeean.com

The Clothes Closet & More, like its name suggests, provides assistance in the form of clothing and more to those in need, including low-income families, those who have experienced loss due to natural disasters such as flood or fire, and the homeless.

The non-profit, located at 314 Main St., in Jacksonville, has been in operation since 2006.

With the second semester of school well under way, it will soon be time for spring formals, including the most anticipated -- prom. Cinderella’s Closet, a program of The Clothes Closet, that provides formal wear to high school students.

Students who would like a dress or tuxedo do not have to attend Jacksonville High School, but can belong to any school district, according to Mickey Gear, executive director of the organization.

Last year, Gear reported, the non-profit was able to provide approximately 20 to 25 students with formal wear.

Cinderella’s Closet also furnishes accessories, including such things as shoes and handbags.

Though the dates have not been officially set, Gear thought Cinderella’s Closet would be open this year during the first weekend in April.

With the cold temperatures experienced recently, many blankets, coats and sweaters have been donated to the needy through The Clothes Closet.

Gear stated that donations of these items, as well as warm clothing, socks, canned meats and other non-perishable goods, particularly protein-rich items, are welcome.

The Clothes Closet can always use new or gently used backpacks, she noted.

Other programs of the organization include Outfitting for the Future and Coats for Kids.

At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, 200 backpacks were supplied to local children.

Students were also furnished with three school uniforms, according to Gear.

Funding to meet the $30,000 annual budget comes from small grants and contributions from local churches, but mainly from private donations.

The Clothes Closet & More is listed as a charity on AmazonSmile, a website operated by Amazon with the same features as Amazon.com.

The AmazonSmile Foundation gives 0.5 percent of the purchase price of eligible products to the charity of the shopper’s choosing.

The Clothes Closet is also listed as a registered with and a recipient of funds donated on the East Texas Giving Day website.

The Giving Day is an 18-hour online event that encourages donations to East Texas area non-profits. This year’s Giving Day is scheduled for April 30.

Although donations, both physical and monetary are crucial, what The Clothes Closet needs most at this time, however, is volunteers.

With those who already donate their time, The Clothes Closet is able to open four hours a day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday.

To donate items to or to volunteer at the Clothes Closet & More, call (903) 586-0204.