In a quiet second-floor room of the college’s Main Academic North building, a little-known free resource is changing lives one outfit at a time. Neatly arranged racks of clothing, shoes and accessories fill the space, but it’s not a store. It’s Clara’s Closet.
“Everything is free here. Feel free to help yourself,” said a Clara’s Closet volunteer as students browsed MAN 214, a room filled to the brim with some new and mostly gently used clothing and accessories.
Earrings, necklaces, socks, shirts, blouses, scrubs, slacks, ties, blazers, belts and shoes are all among the items students, staff and community members can pick up at Clara’s Closet, as are baskets of brand new Bombas socks. Organized by the Red Bank-based charity Lunch Break, Clara’s Closet, which was started on campus in 2021, allows shoppers to take up to five free items each day.
“Some of them are cute,” said Lamaya Williams, an 18-year-old student, who was browsing the clothing around 10 a.m. last Thursday.
“It can fill the gaps in your closet,” said Dayna Marchez, a Brookdale student and program coordinator for the OSHE mental health grant.
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This cozy, welcoming closet, complete with a dressing room, mirrors and mannequins, is more than just a place to find clothes. It’s designed to be a symbol of dignity, support and care. And it all started with the late Clara Marie Nelson, a 20-year Lunch Break volunteer who served as the first clothing coordinator.
Clara’s Closet aims to provide support and practical aid. It offers casual wear, seasonal gear (coats, sweaters), work/interview- appropriate attire, and more.
Open to all, the program assists in building self-sufficiency, reducing financial stress and fostering a more caring campus/ community environment. One unique aspect about this program is the ability to request clothing ahead of time. Shoppers searching for something special can just leave a message for Fatima Carranza at (732) 747 8577 x3106 or email her at [email protected], along with their size and item information.
Volunteers staff both the store on campus and the original Clara’s Closet in Red Bank. Kay Weisenfeld, a volunteer and former nursing home consultant, said the Brookdale location sees “more young people,” while volunteer Judy Thorp pointed out that the clientele is “mostly females.”
Those seeking to donate rather than trash unwanted clothing can bring items to the Red Bank site, 121 Drs. James Parker Boulevard in Red Bank. Donations are not accepted on campus. Donors are asked to leave their name and phone information when donating. Anonymous and after-hours donations will not be accepted.
Brookdale’s Clara’s Closet location is open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.
For questions about donating, visit https://lunchbreak.org/ways-to-give/donate-clothing/ or contact Fatima Carranza at [email protected].
Story and photos by the students in Journalism 101.002RL.
