Important Updates as of 02/19/2021:
The Community Closets will be physically closed until further notice. Donations will not be accepted for the foreseeable future. Please call United Way’s 211 for organizations who might be accepting donations or contact your local thrift stores. For questions concerning Career Closet, Boots to Work or Rebecca’s Closet COVID-19 procedures, please contact Sarah Laes at 715-298-5712 or slaes@unitedwaymc.org.
- Client Intake Sheet (Career Closet and Boots to Work)
- Boots to Work Voucher (To Be Completed By Agency Representative)
- Rebecca’s Closet Request (To Be Completed By Agency Representative)
United Way Community Closets are volunteer-run, donation-driven projects of Emerging Leaders and Women United. They are housed in the same building as the United Way office, in space donated by Ghidorzi Companies.
The goals of the two Closets are similar–to help low-income individuals and families overcome barriers that stand in the way of their success. For many who are struggling financially, a little help with clothing can make a big difference.
The Career Closet is a project of Emerging Leaders and serves women and men in need of clothing for interviews or employment. Individuals may receive up to two outfits at no cost to help them obtain a job or to start their new work wardrobe. All items are donated and the project is entirely volunteer run.
Steel toed boots for new employment are available from the Career Closet through the Boots to Work program. Proof of employment with a need for steel-toed footwear and a completed voucher signed by a staff member of a referring agency is needed to receive one pair of new or gently used steel-toed boots.
For any questions please contact Sarah Laes at 715-298-5712.
Individuals may also request help with completing an application, writing a resume, or interviewing skills. Contact United Way to schedule an appointment.
Rebecca’s Closet, a project of Women United, provides new and gently used clothing for children sizes infant to 14/16. Seasonal items are available.
Human Service professionals are able to utilize our services based on their knowledge of the family situation. There is no income restriction or other qualification procedure.
Donations of clean, modern, gently used items can be made during regular business hours, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. If you are interested in volunteering in Rebecca’s Closet, please contact Sarah Laes at 715-298-5712.
Human Services professionals – Do you work with children and families who need clothing?
How to utilize Rebecca’s Closet:
Request & Pick-up
- Complete a Rebecca’s Closet form online.
- A volunteer will fill your request within 1 week and notify you when the items are ready for pick-up at the Rebecca’s Closet office.
Self-Serve
- Check out a Closet Key at United Way Reception, M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Visit Rebecca’s Closet, select the clothing you need and complete a self-service form.
- Return keys to United Way Reception.
You can visit the Closet during open hours on Thursdays 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. to self-serve or pick up orders.
History of Rebecca’s Closet
Rebecca’s Closet was founded by Kathy Volkmann, Vice President at Cloverbelt Credit Union. Kathy learned that a social worker was looking for clothing for a family she was working with, so Kathy offered some clothing her niece Rebecca had outgrown. When Kathy realized what a huge need there was, she began collecting items at her home. When she outgrew that space, she stored them in a building that Cloverbelt Credit Union owned. After eight years, the program had grown so large that Kathy wasn’t able to continue the operation. In November 2013, United Way Women United took on the project.
