CULLMAN, Ala. – It’s hard to imagine that Curt’s Closet, a Cullman clothing ministry founded by Ashley Wilson in memory of her son Curtis Wilson, is less than two years old. Opening its doors Mar. 1, 2018, the nonprofit organization has already served thousands of area children and youth whose families have faced long-term or emergency needs. Qualified kids and their parents/caretakers get to come and “shop” in an inviting space that is far more like a boutique than a charity clothing closet, and walk out with high-quality clothing and accessories- a fair bit of it brand new, thanks to local donors and businesses- at no charge.
In 2019 Curt’s Closet served approximately 1,650 children who came through the organization’s regular qualification process, plus a number of other children who were referred by the Cullman County Department of Human Resources and Victim Services of Cullman, or who faced loss from emergency circumstances like house fires.
Wilson pointed out, “1,650 children is almost three times greater than the number we served in 2018. You can see the growth of Curt’s Closet since we opened in March of 2018. We could not do it without the continued support of this amazing community. There are so many to thank, such as Apel Steel, Traditions Bank, Bentley Masonry. There’s no way to thank everyone, from the small churches that support us monthly, to the countless others who drop off donations daily to our drop-off locations. I always leave out so many when asked about our supporters. We appreciate all of them, no matter how small or how large.”
“Clothed in Cullman” in the works
Wilson said, “After we get through the holidays, Curt’s Closet will hit the ground running, finalizing details for ‘Clothed in Cullman,’ our annual fundraiser. Clothed in Cullman will be May 16, 2020 at Loft 212. Last year was an amazing event; we’re expecting 2020 will be bigger and better.”
Get involved
When writing about local charitable efforts, The Tribune likes to help get the word about anything a group needs. Curt’s Closet is active enough to be running short of one thing or another constantly, but one request has been consistent this year: volunteers.
Said Wilson, “With the growth of Curt’s Closet in the past year, we are seeing a greater need for volunteers. Even if someone has 30 minutes a month or 30 hours, every bit helps.”
Curt’s Closet is also currently low on children’s clothing and jeans, especially in men’s sizes.
For more information on Curt’s Closet, to apply for services, volunteer or make a donation, visit www.facebook.com/cw20curtscloset/ or https://sites.google.com/view/curtscloset or call 256-735-4557.
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