LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Clothing Assistance Program's recent relocation is allowing the organization to give back even more and address Louisville's need among children for new and gently used clothes.
For Justin Willis, it’s the little things like a laundry room, air-conditioned volunteer working areas and a clean, well-lit restroom for families that make the new space special.
"For those of us who spend our year here, this is a dream come true,” said Willis, CAP parent relations coordinator. "All these generous corporate and nonprofit groups that want to send us more and more truckloads of branded things, we say, 'Send it. We've got the room.'”
For the last few months, Willis and his team of volunteers have moved their pallets of clothes, racks and shelving units into a space that is three times as big as their old one inside Central High School's football stadium. The new location is 1400 W. Jefferson St. in the city's Russell neighborhood.
“For the first time ever, we have a street-facing building with a sign on it," Willis said. "We have an obvious place where people can come and park. We have one level with well-lit rooms, air-conditioned, controlled, with generous people ready to help them out. So we are able to do what we've always done, but just on a much grander scale.”
Founded in the early '70s as a coat closet, CAP remains a partnership between Jefferson County Public Schools and the 15th District parent-teacher association. CAP provides JCPS students with free new and gently used clothes.
Willis said partnerships with various community organizations and businesses help keep their warehouse stocked.
Volunteers like retired JCPS teacher Julie Waterman said they're thrilled about the new building, which allows rows of tables to be set up year round stocked with surplus goods and clothes families can take with them, alongside their allotted clothing.
"We would have all this boxed up or whatever, and then we'd put it all out when we do a one-day giveaway," Waterman said. "But because we're able to have this, this will be able to stay out all the time."
JCPS purchased the new space last year after the previous tenant moved out, and the district also funded the renovations.
"It's a validation for everybody who comes and volunteers here and gives hundreds of hours a year to know that their efforts are recognized," Willis said.
What started as a coat closet more than 50 years ago has turned into a district-wide success story of companies and volunteers giving back to their own community.
The CAP will hold Back to School Blitzes Aug. 1 and Aug. 3 for JCPS families. Families are asked to contact their child's school to schedule an appointment for either of those days. Clothing assistance is also provided by appointment throughout the school year.