A lifelong Amherstonian, Lori Betchker, the founder and president of Amherst Kids Closet, can often be seen driving a flatbed trailer weighed down by storage totes filled with clothing. She has her son, her mom and all kinds of friends, family and community members along for the ride, supporting her effort.
What does she want you to know about the Amherst Kids Closet?
"We say we want everyone to 'shop' in Amherst Kids Closet, and that's because our mission is to help as many families as possible along with our planet. By 'shopping' the closet, families can reduce, reuse, recycle and save," Lori Betchker, president and founder of Amherst Kids Closet said.
A major focus of the mission is serving ALICE families.
Who is ALICE?
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families work full-time, but their salary, while above the federal poverty line, does not allow them to make ends meet. You may know an ALICE family without realizing it.
"It’s our hope that Amherst Kids Closet helps those that are working, but struggling to meet the basic costs of living in their community," Betchker said
The Amherst Kids Closet was born out of a hope that kids in these (ALICE) homes aren’t forced to miss out on pursuing their passions, talents or interests.
Betchker hopes that the shoppers at Amherst Kids Closet will use the money they save on clothing, shoes and accessories to support their children's other needs and interests.
"By offering gently used kids clothes and shoes at no cost, we hope to free up some money for the kids in the families struggling to be able to do that, so they don’t miss out," she said.
Betchker hopes that the shoppers at Amherst Kids Closet will use the money they save on clothing, shoes and accessories to support their children's other needs and interests.
The second part of the Amherst Kids Closet mission is focused on saving the planet. Sharing clothing as a community means a reduction in clothing waste that ends up in landfills. That's why everyone, regardless of income, is invited to 'shop' the closet.
"If you know anyone that is able to benefit from free gently use clothing and shoes, please tell them about us," she said. "We have infant through teen sizes and the inventory is constantly turning, so there is always something new to find."
