Foster Closet - Thrift Store

I have been so blessed to donate items myself and on behalf of The Jacksonville Modern Quilt Guild to the Foster Closet. The work Tammy and her staff and volunteers do is so needed in the community. They provide clothing, toys, toiletries, and any number of other things to kids in foster care. These kids have been tossed around or removed from bad situations. To be able to walk in and shop the racks and pick outfits and toys for themselves must be uplifting for them. These children don't deserve to have gone through whatever they have so every little thing done to support them is a blessing. I read a few negative reviews and I obviously wasn't there for the specific experiences, but yes, they sometimes need our help to sort items and they have they have strict guidelines on what they accept clothing wise. As they say, these kids have been stained on the inside, they shouldn't have to wear stains on the outside. Thank you for all you do, Tammy and crew.

I've passed this organization many times but never had the pleasure or opportunity to enter into the building. Well today was my day! Not only did I get a chance to speak with the "Mother" of the organization (because it is definitely a labor of love), but I learned exactly what it was all about! Truly an awesome establishment and I pray that God will continue to allow her to do His will. She has a beautiful heart and as long as we have more people in the world like her, then we will all be okay.

A friend of mine told me about Foster Closet to donate items. I was excited because A: I love supporting local organizations/businesses/charities and B. It specializes in providing to foster children. After reviewing the website, I packed items that was needed (women and boys clothes) and also toiletries (body wash, shampoo etc.) I arrived there today with 2 bags with the items mentioned. One young lady was nice and took the bag of toiletries and other lady, which I noticed is the Founder, didn't even said hi or thank me for bringing donations. Instead she scrutinized the other items before I even took it out of my truck. She asked "What's in there?" I said women summer clothes and teen boys clothes, as the website requested. There was a pink, terry cloth headwrap laying on top when I opened the box. She immediately replied "We don't take socks!" I just closed my trunk, said thank you, and left. Oh yes, they kept the travel size  toiletries but I thought it says only full size.... The urgent items listed on the website is what I was donated . I don't understand why it was rejected. You would think ANY items could use to a family in need. The other rebuttal is not enough volunteers? I understand due to Covid, volunteers are staying home. If other volunteers are needed, I would have been more than happy to help organize donations. It was not busy, never is when I drive by the location, so what are you doing to help the cause as the founder? Apparently not even looking through the items that literally came to your door. "Foster Closet offers a simple, no-nonsense approach that provides immediate assistance without complicated procedures." I beg to differ. Lead by example. This non-profit organization is another example of grant money being used just for self-validation and praise. I'm very particular of my contributions and this experience was very disappointing. Do better, Tammy -Judi