Kids’ Clothing Reaches Children In Need
October 14, 2009
What began as a simple act of compassion towards a preschooler in need has transformed into a new resource for Chicago families, thanks to the help of Cathedral Shelter’s Second Chance Thrift and others.
Children’s Closet—located on the third floor of the West Austin Development Center building, 4920 W. Madison Ave.—provides free gently-used children’s clothing to struggling families on the city’s west side. Clothing distribution, according to owner Sonia Rawski, would be impossible without major donations of clothes from the near-by community retail shop, Second Chance Thrift.
“I could not have, absolutely could not have done it without them,” said Rawski at Children’s Closet’s September Grand Opening.
It all began with Rawski’s desire to help a toddler at a local non-profit preschool. Noticing the preschooler’s obvious need of new clothing, Rawski did not hesitate to supply the child with fresh attire. She soon realized that other students were in need and felt compelled to do something for children on a broader scale.
Rawski decided to open Children’s Closet in the very same building as the preschool to which she had reached out not long before. After much planning, however, she was still missing the piece of the puzzle that would bring her plans to fruition—children’s apparel. It wasn’t until linking up with Second Chance Thrift Store Manager, Kevin Longstreth, that Rawski acquired the needed inventory to make her dream of Children’s Closet a reality.
Longstreth, who himself is no stranger to providing emergency clothing to individuals in dire need through his store, expressed appreciation for Rawski’s worthy cause.
“We are delighted to see what Sonia has put together at Children’s Closet,” said Longstreth, “and look forward to offering them our continued support.”
Anyone in need of clothing from Children’s Closet can set-up an appointment with Sonia Rawski by calling (773) 704-7082 or walk-in between the hours 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Children’s Closet also provides referrals to clothing recipients in need of further assistance.
Donations of new or gently-used children’s clothing can be made Mondays through Fridays, 7:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. All children’s items are accepted, including linens, diapers, toys and furniture.
