Catie’s Closet – The Power of Clothing and Toiletries

by JENNY PAR

In 2010, Catie’s Closet began as a tribute to Catie Bisson, a graduate of Lowell High School who felt that education should not be a privilege. Catie was a Sophomore at Bridgewater University when she passed away at the age of 20 due to a connective tissue disorder. Catie’s Closet was founded by Annemarie Bisson (Catie’s mother) and three other sisters, as well as other family members. This project started in a single school and now supports 26,000 students in 37 schools from Pre-K to High Schools throughout Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire.

How does Catie’s Closet help students? First, an unused room within a school is converted into a “Catie’s Closet.” At-need students are then discreetly given access to the “Closet” by trusted faculty members. Students, whose ages range from 4 to 18 are allowed to choose from an assortment of clothing or toiletries to suit their individual needs. The closet is restocked with donated clothing and toiletries on a regular basis.

Lupoli Companies is excited to team up with Catie’s Closet to provide basic necessities that students in need require for a successful start to school. jchemaly@lupolicompanies.com

We will begin collecting items listed below from now until July 28th. Donations may be dropped off at our on-site gym, FlowFitness, located at 280 Merrimack Street, 1st Floor, Lawrence, MA.

Sizes:

Youth girls & boys 4-20
Teen girls 1-18 and XS-XXL
Teen boys 29-42 and S-XXL

URGENT NEEDS
·       Youth boys (size 4–16): jeans, sweatpants, t-shirts, long
         sleeve tops, hoodies/sweatshirts
·       Toiletries: shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant,
         toothbrushes
·       Undergarments: underwear Boys & Girls (size 4-20);
         Teen Boys & Girls (Small – XXL)
·       Socks (all sizes)

Clothing
New or gently used clothing
Clean, free from stains & damage

New Undergarments
Underwear
Socks     

Like-New Shoes
Boots
Sneakers

New Full-Sized Toiletries
Shampoo
Body wash
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes                                                                                             
Deodorant                                                                                                     
Children’s toiletries                                                                                 
Feminine Products

 

Learn more about the impact that Catie’s Closet has on our community here or consider making a donation today. If you have any questions, contact Jenny at jpar@lupolicompanies.com.