United Way Community Closets are volunteer run, donation-driven projects of Emerging Leaders and Women in Action. 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 are needed to receive one pair of new or gently used steel toed boots.
The Career Closet is open Tuesday from 3:00-5:00 p.m., Wednesday from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00-2:00 p.m. The Career Closet is located at 705 S. 24th Avenue, Suite 440, Wausau.
Donations of contemporary men’s and women’s business and business casual attire and accessories are always needed. New or like new, clean donations, preferably on hangers, can be dropped off during regular Closet hours. Volunteers are needed to help when the Career Closet is open. Sign-up with Sarah Tifft at 715-298-5712 for a time that works with your schedule.
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 provides new and gently used clothing for children sizes infant to 16/18. 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, gently used items can be made during regular business hours, M-F, 8 a.m.-5p.m. If you are interested in volunteering in Rebecca’s Closet, please contact Sarah Tifft 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.
- Email it to rebeccasclosetwausau@gmail.com.
- A volunteer will fill your request within 1 week and notify you when the items are ready for pick-up.
Self-Serve
- Check out a Closet Key at United Way Reception during United Way business hours, M-F, 8a.m.-5p.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 3p.m.-5p.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, Women in Action took on the project. In 2015, more than 10,000 items were distributed to families in need.
