“We wrap kids in care – one outfit at a time.” That’s the mission statement of RePete’s Closet for Kids. One that’s so important to them, they have it hanging up in their office, making it an unforgettable daily reminder for one truly special cause. Because RePete’s Closet is not just a shop that provides gently used children’s clothing to families in need. It’s a space where families can come and shop, letting kids choose clothes that best fit their personal style, outfitting both boys and girls from newborns up through their teen years. And it’s all free.
As soon as you walk through RePete’s doors, it’s impossible not to feel welcomed by the staff, including founder and executive director, Linda Bergholz. RePete’s Closet is full of colorful clothing, stocked to the brim, organized and inviting. You can’t help but itch to shop as soon as you walk in and see all they have to offer.
The store is bright and friendly, with volunteers who greet you with a smile as they straighten and stock. All of the clothing sits out on shelves just like it would at a high-end boutique … which is the whole point. “We didn’t want it to look like a thrift store,” Linda explains. “We want our families, especially the teenagers, to walk into this place and feel good about it.”
And it’s hard not to feel good about such a worthy cause. RePete’s is a donations-based store run entirely by volunteers. “Donations have been phenomenal,” Linda boasts about the Loveland locals who stepped up to help get RePete’s feet off of the ground. Not only through donations of kids’ clothing, but also monetary gifts that allowed RePete’s to purchase new items such as kids’ shoes, socks, and underwear, things that are often better new than donated.
So how does it all work? Families in need only need a few simple things to qualify: proof of address that they live in one of the seven zip codes RePete’s provides for (covering most of Loveland, Lebanon, Goshen, Milford, Montgomery, Maineville, Mason, and surrounding areas), that the children live with them, and that they fall within the federal poverty guidelines.
“People who come to us to shop aren’t trying to scam the system, they’re not here because they’re trying to take advantage,” Linda explains of the clientele at RePete’s. “They love their kids … and they’re trying to take care of their kids.”
So, RePete’s makes it simple. Each child in a family gets 40 points to spend on clothing per quarter, which covers more than it sounds. For example, T-shirts are two points, leggings are three, meaning 40 points can go a long way. And it doesn’t all have to be spent at once — families can make multiple visits per quarter if they’d prefer, because available pieces are always changing. “It’s not like a Macy’s, right? We’re not going to have the same item in different sizes or another in that size,” clarifies Linda. “As long as they have the points, kids can come back and shop as often as they want.”
Lovingly named in honor of Linda’s mother, who was known as “Pete” due to her passion for baseball and the legendary Pete Rose, this whole endeavor was built from a place of love and understanding. And Linda has high hopes for what’s to come for RePete’s Closet. “Eventually we’d love to have a van, and people who could go pick up parents to come shop.” Of course, Linda can choose clothing for families who can’t make it to the store, but it’s more personal and empowering when they can come shop for themselves. It means more, giving them autonomy. Giving them choices when so many are often taken from them.
What Linda really wants people to know, though, is that each and every family that walks through RePete’s doors has their own story. Even if a family is only there for 10 minutes, that’s 10 minutes that Linda and her team strive to make effortless and easy for them.
“Everyone who comes in is an individual person dealing with their own struggles. We have no idea what’s going on in their lives.” On this, she’s adamant. “If what we’re doing here makes even a tiny impact to make their life easier, that’s why we’re here.”
Despite their incredible work, Linda and her team are always in need of help, specifically through donations — kids’ clothing, volunteer time, monthly donations, and more. Giving back, paying it forward, taking care of our neighbors in need … RePete’s works to hit grand slams every day, for every family. Ready to step up to the plate?
RePetesClosetForKids.org | 541 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland | 513.583.0098
“Your clothes reflect your personality, reflect who you are, what you like … we aim to let kids make their own choices about what they want to wear.”