Curt’s Closet was packed with visitors during its open house Sunday afternoon. It will open to the public on Thursday, March 1. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN – This Thursday, March 1, Ashley Wilson will open Curt’s Closet, a youth clothing boutique with a twist: everything’s free! It’s a charity operation, but it’s not a typical “clothing closet.” Children and teens from disadvantaged families will be allowed to come and shop in a setting that feels more like a retail boutique, just without the cash register and card scanner. From the outset Wilson said she wanted kids, whatever their circumstances, to enjoy a normal shopping experience in the store.
“I want to stress,” said Wilson, “everything is free to families that are in need. People ask me, ‘How much are the prom dresses?’ Everything’s free for anyone in need, based on income or hardship.”
Prospective customers can set up an appointment with Wilson via the phone number or email address listed at the end of this story, to find out eligibility requirements. Curt’s Closet will also accept referrals from churches, schools and the Cullman County Department of Human Resources.
Curt’s Closet will offer clothing, accessories, backpacks, lunchboxes and jewelry. Of particular interest to a number of previewers has been the store’s selection of prom dresses. Many of the donated items are new, including all undergarments.
The reason behind Curt’s Closet
Wilson founded Curt’s Closet in memory of her son, Curtis James Wilson, who was killed in a car wreck on May 7, 2017.
On her website, Ashley Wilson wrote: “Curt had a gift for loving others with the love of Christ… he brightened any room he walked into and touched many lives with his sincere care and concern for others. His wit and humor made everyone he came in contact with walk away smiling! I want to continue his gift of love by lessening the burden of the expenses that parents face each year as their children go back to school and throughout the year. In doing so, we collect donations of gently used/new clothing, shoes, backpacks and lunch boxes. There's no greater gift I can give in memory of my son than that of making a difference in the lives of those in need. It's what Curt would want… to make life a little easier and make people smile.”
According to Wilson, the store still needs laundry detergent and plastic totes in which to store items. Monetary donations to the nonprofit organization, of course, are welcome.
“This is all God,” concluded Wilson. “It is all God. Everything you see here, He has blessed this from day one. I just have to give Him the glory.”
Curt’s Closet will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.
At a glance
Curt’s Closet
1515 St. Joseph St. NW, Cullman
www.facebook.com/cw20curtscloset
sites.google.com/view/curtscloset
curtscloset20@gmail.com
256-735-4557
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