This month’s Mercer Savings Bank Giving Mission recipient is Chloe’s Closet. The nonprofit organization, started three years ago by Chloe Russell, provides free-of-charge sporting equipment so every kid has the chance to play.
Forming Chloe’s Closet
Chloe started the organization when she was still in high school, motivated by seeing friends and classmates who were unable to play their favorite sports because of the cost of equipment and fees.
“In high school, my friends would have to quit sports because they couldn’t buy equipment,” she said. “I started collecting items to give to kids who couldn’t always afford them; that way they could continue on with their sports, get out to play, and make great connections like I did.”
Supplies on hand range from football cleats to baseball gloves. The goal is to have equipment for a wide range of sports so students can always find what they need.
Supporting the Community
While based in Celina, Chloe’s Closet can serve any student in need in Mercer County and beyond.
The process is simple. When someone reaches out to ask about a piece of equipment, Chloe checks her stock to see if it’s available. If it is, she’ll arrange to meet them, drop it off, or have them come for a pickup.
Since the program began, Chloe estimates they’ve served 40-50 students per year across a range of sports programs.
Make a Donation to Chloe’s Closet
For Chloe, it’s about removing barriers and allowing all kids the opportunity to participate in the sports they enjoy.
“I want to give kids a chance to experience all the love, support, friendships, and dreams that come with playing sports. I know sports can get expensive, but that shouldn’t hold kids back from this,” she said.
Most supplies come from donations of new or gently used equipment. Cash donations also allow Chloe’s Closet to purchase the items that are most in need.
As the recipient of the August Mercer Savings Bank Giving Mission donation (“Awesome,” said Chloe), the funds will go toward helping purchase a new trailer for supply storage and drop-offs.
Interested in learning more about Chloe’s Closet and seeing what they’re up to? Visit the Facebook page to see the latest news or make a donation.
