In 2009, Caryn Shoemaker and Kay Pratt founded a nonprofit called One Small Step to help provide clothing relief to people who couldn’t afford to buy the pants, shirts, socks, shoes, and other clothing they needed.
When the friends learned the only clothing bank in the area had closed, they launched Clothes Cabin to offer the same types of services.
As Amanda Nosbisch, executive director of One Small Step and Clothes Cabin notes, the clothing bank offers clothing assistance to anyone in need.
“All clothing is free, and individuals and families are welcome to come every three months for assistance,” Nosbisch says, adding that dignity, kindness, and respect are cornerstones to the program, and the clothing must meet high standards of quality.
Clothes Cabin also does community outreach where clothing and resources are brought into communities, programs, and partner locations where need is high, and transportation to the Clothes Cabin location is challenging.
“Examples of our community outreach partners are community resource fairs, local school events, and other agency outreach events.”
People who would like to help support Clothes Cabin may do so in many ways, Nosbisch says.
First, people can donate money to One Small Step, which is a registered 501(c)(3) and a Qualified Arizona Tax Credit Organization.
“Donations of money support our basic operations, but also allow us to source essential items in bulk like undergarments, socks, and children’s school clothing and shoes,” Nosbisch says, adding that volunteers are also always needed in direct service and behind the scenes.
Using social media and word of mouth to spread awareness about Clothes Cabin is also helpful, as are donations of new or gently used clothing.
“People can follow us on social media and our website to see our current high-needs items,” Nosbisch says.