The Community Clothes Closet unveiled its new addition recently at an open house, and what a difference the addition has made! With their space doubled, they finally have enough room to efficiently sort clothes, accept donations and provide additional assistance to their clientele.

CCC Executive Director Diane Bishop said the grant money received from Community Foundation donors creates a ripple effect to help those in need.

National Community Foundation Week ended this week and this project is an example of why the work our donors do through the Foundation is worth celebrating. These Community Foundation funds awarded grants totaling more than $100,000 to help to make the expansion and remodeling of the shopping floor happen:

• Fox Cities Stadium Charitable Fund
• Irvin and Marie Gunther Charitable Fund
• Schmerein Family Fund
• Frank C. Shattuck Community Fund
• Schmidt Family G4 Fund

Diane said the new sorting area setup makes it much easier for the elder volunteers. An expanded New Start Boutique provides a wonderful atmosphere for people to get prepared for job interviews and even receive additional outfits to start a new job.

In addition to the extra space in the Boutique, the CCC partnered with several area businesses and organizations, including Rasmussen College, to develop a “6 Steps to Success” program that provides tips and training for interviews. One interesting topic covered is how to prepare for phone and Skype interviews.

This new space will serve them well!

Ann Engelhard is a donor services manager with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
[email protected]