On average, foster children could move seven times before the age of 18, usually abruptly leaving their home with very few belongings.
The Families Helping Families of Iowa Clothing Closet is a free resource for foster and adoptive families to find clothing, shoes, hygiene items, for infants, children, and teens. You’ll get to choose from current styles for any season!
Volunteers staff the Clothing Closet. Donations from our generous community are accepted, sorted and displayed like a retail store.
Who qualifies for the Clothing Closet?
The Clothing Closet is only available to children who are currently in foster care, relative placement, other approved placement by the Department of Health and Human Services, or adopted. Children must be aged 0-18.
When can we shop from the Clothing Closet?
Youth or their caregivers can shop the Families Helping Families of Iowa Clothing Closet as much as needed or as a child outgrows items. Hygiene items, diapers, and wipes are only available once per quarter. Please use reasonable discretion for how often you visit the Clothing Closet.
Donating to the Clothing Closet
Items We Accept:
- New or gently used clothing items for children newborn to 18
- New socks
- New underwear
- New or gently used bras or sports bras
- New or gently used shoes
- Hygiene Items – body wash, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, textured hair care products, etc.
- Baby equipment – only car seats (not expired), highchairs, pack & plays, and strollers
Items We Cannot Accept:
- Bathrobes
- Bedding
- Books
- Clothing more than four years old
- Clothing with stains, pet hair, holes or adverse odors
- Clothing with excessive wear such as pilling or fading
- Clothing that is inappropriate for children/teenagers
- Costumes
- Dishes
- Furniture of any kind
- Hangers
- Hats (besides winter caps)
- Household Items
- Jewelry
- Men’s or women’s clothing (we need clothing that teens will wear)
- Purses
- Scarves
- Slippers, dress shoes, high heels
- Sporting gear (balls, cleats, pants, pads)
- Suitcases
- Towels
- Toys (even baby toys)
- Used socks and underwear
Donations may be delivered to our office located at 6000 7th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 11am and 12pm-3pm (office is closed for lunch between 11am-12pm) and Sundays, 1pm to 3pm. Please check our Facebook for information on unexpected closings.