Photos By Angelina Donatelli and Gary Hogan
Students who walk into MAN 214 know instantly this is not a typical Brookdale room with desks and computers. Instead, they are greeted by stacks of clothes on racks that are nearly 6 feet tall with just enough space to walk between them and volunteers who immediately smile, say hello, and invite them to ask any questions.
“We just think it’s great because it’s totally for free,” said Andrea Fox, a 73-year-old volunteer from Manalapan at Clara’s Closet, a free thrift shop run by Lunch Break and located in MAN 214. “We get to talk to kids.”
Throughout the neat and orderly store, multiple tables are filled with unique and interesting objects in a wide variety of shapes and colors, making it appealing to the eye. While housed at Brookdale, Clara’s Closet is part of a partnership with the nonprofit organization Lunch Break of Red Bank, which provides free programs and resources to make a difference.
Clothing is neatly hung on the racks and divided into pants, shirts, and even, in the very back of the store, bookshelves of shoes that range from sneakers to heels. Different colored jewelry accessories, small wallet bags, earrings and other items also abound.
“I love it here, and I love clothes,” said Carolyn Kuyl, a 20-year-old art major from Toms River, who was searching the shop for new finds on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 4. “Clothes are like your personality. You can read someone based on the clothes they wear.”
While many of the offerings are for everyday wear, clothing for special occasions and work attire are among the attractions, including dresses and dress pants for women and suits, dress shirts and ties for men.
“It’s my first time here,” said Alise Supple, a 20-year-old environmental science major from Middletown, who said her friend (Kuyl) invited her to shop. “There is nothing bad I can say about this place.”
“I’ve been here 15 times already,” said Kuyl, a 20-year-old art student who learned about Clara’s Closet through one of her professors.
“I can always find something in here, even if it’s just a basic T-shirt,” she said, holding up a Coca-Cola shirt she was bringing home.
“The styles are pretty universal here…It’s all super cute,” Supple said. “This place is awesome; it’s not just open to the students but to the public as well.”
The room itself is also unique, with large windows on all sides, letting in natural light, giving it an ethereal feel when the time is right. The room’s L shape adds to its individuality, and traveling through it reveals a singular fitting room.
“I always knew this place was here, but I didn’t know it was inclusive and free,” Supple said.
Fox gives the scoop on why she loves volunteering at Clara’s Closet. “It just feels good. We have people come in here who sometimes who we give a little more because we feel like they really need it. When you go home, it feels like you did something good.”
Clara’s Closet is open year-round on BCC’s campus, offering a new variety of attire each season. “Now you see we have mostly winter stuff, but we’ll switch it out for the seasons,” Fox said.
“We’ve even had students who come from different countries who don’t realize how cold it gets here, so that was always a good thing we were able to do. We had a lot of winter coats, and we were able to give them away,” she said.
“I first came here with my visual display class on a field trip in March of 2025. We were learning how to dress the mannequins and how to fill in the spaces. I think they have kind of a partnership between them, so we can come here, practice, and also get to know the place,” Ana Kanopka, a 20-year-old fashion design student from Howell, who is now a Clara’s Closet volunteer.
“I enjoy building connections with the regulars… It’s good to know you are helping people,” she said.
“[Lunch Break] takes all kinds of different things [as donations]. They have food pantries, this, the Red Bank store…” said Angelita Mayor, a 78-year-old retiree and Lunch Break volunteer from Tinton Falls, who said volunteering helps her keep busy in retirement.
