"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. In honor of National Foster Care Month, this May we are highlighting Foster Closet of Michigan.
When a child enters foster care, they often show up with just the clothes on their back. The Foster Closet of Michigan is an organization dedicated to addressing this issue that so many children face.
“We’re a free resource providing mostly clothing for children in foster care as well as kids who are experiencing financial hardship in our community,” says Allison Johnson, Director of Foster Closet of Michigan – Western Wayne County. “Our mission is to alleviate financial stress on families as well as help build self-esteem in the kids by providing new and like-new clothing.”
Allison saw the need and, with her husband, started the Western Wayne County branch of Foster Closet of Michigan out of their basement in November 2014. In 2022, her church, the Alpha Baptist Church, invited them to move into their building and provided a permanent space. It is run completely by volunteers, and everything is either donated or purchased with money that has been donated.
“It was rough at first,” says Allison, “but once word got out, people started donating things left and right. We get donated clothing, books, toys, games, baby things. Our biggest need right now is kids’ hygiene products and lotions. We like to have the character hygiene products, like Superman bath wash. And lotion, you may not think about it for kids, but a lot of our clients are African American and they do suffer from dry skin. Also, we need hair care products for ethnic hair.”
When it comes to the types of clothing needed, they want seasonal clothing for the weather conditions at the time. Many kids have little clothing when they are brought into foster care, so they clothing that is appropriate for the current season.
“Often, if the kids are being placed into care because of neglect, the clothing is stained or is the wrong size or is inappropriate for the weather,” explains Allison. “We provide outerwear like coats, snow pants, winter boots. We also have shoes, toiletries, hygiene products, baby clothes and equipment. We can provide cribs, car seats, strollers and high chairs—things you need for babies.”
While the focus is on foster kids, the Foster Closet also helps local families in need.
“People who are struggling and especially with the economy the way it is—they have to decide, do I put gas in my car or buy my kid new shoes,” says Allison. “So, we try to give a hand up, not a handout. We want people to feel blessed but not feel we’re going to do it all for them.”
One thing that’s often overlooked is the need for school uniforms. “We stock uniforms because most of our kids who live in Detroit go to academies and you have to wear the navy pants and polo shirts,” Allison explains. “So, I try and keep a good stock of uniforms so we can at least give them a couple pairs of pants and a couple shirts.”
To donate or be a volunteer, call 734-421-6300 and leave a message. Allison says she checks it several times a day and will get back to you to arrange a drop-off or schedule volunteer time.
“People can volunteer, especially during our open hours. We always need help assisting shoppers, organizing, replenishing the shelves or just straightening up the foster closet,” says Allison. “Also, a lot of church groups and scouts like to do drives for us. I just got contacted by someone who wants to do a sock drive. Underwear or pajamas drives are good, too. Those are things we like to give new. One of our area churches is going to do a collection during Lent. Those are some of the ways you can help.”
The Foster Closet works year-round to provide for the needs of children ranging in age from infant to 18. You can follow them on Facebook or call 734-421-6300 for more information.
Add a comment to: Know Your Org: Foster Closet of Michigan