Wakefield Home and Closet may have changed, but its mission remains the same. Volunteer Emma Brenn explained, “It provides affordable clothing, furniture, household goods and many other items to help not only people with limited income, but also helps others stretch their monthly budget. I love how we partner with the school. It provides scholarships and the kids learn valuable skills which will help them as they proceed with whatever they choose for their career. Because it is a nonprofit, shopper and donors are generating money that goes right back to the community.”
Director Traci Riewer shared that in 2024, the store donated $24,389 back to the community. Donations of $1000 or more went to organizations such as: Teammates, VBS, CROWN, WHCC Depot Museum, Cub Scouts and Scouts, Dixon Co K9 Unit, Senior Center, Humpty Dumpty Daycare, American Legion, and Quilts of Valor. Many smaller grants awarded as well as many community event sponsorships and several what they call unsolicited donations to community members facing a hardship and could use some extra help whether it is money or clothing/household items Wakefield Home and Closet can donate to them.
Eunice Johnson, a volunteer, said, “One of the first benefits I thought of for the store was it's a great place to get "rid of stuff". So many people who donate comment on how glad they are to have it here in town. People who don't have much or don't live extravagantly can shop here for their needs. It's a quick stop when there is not time to get out of town and you just might finds something you need or just "can't live without". I choose to volunteer at the store since it's an easy way to do something for the community while at the same time helping out people in town. And, I've become acquainted with people I otherwise would not have.” Volunteer Emma Brenn had similar thoughts, “One of my favorite things is that when you are working, you feel like it is promoting a community connection. Everyone shops and many different backgrounds interact. Community members from all backgrounds show their generosity and community support by donating. It is such a fun place to shop, donate, and give your time to the thrift store inspires creativity and DIY ventures. The community repurposes and upcycles all kinds of items instead of just throwing them!” Riewer also shared, “We have such wonderful “regulars” that shop weekly, I would like to get a more diverse mix of people to come INTO the store! Especially the younge rcrowd since thrifting is “cool” again!
We have great quality donations and couldn’t be more appreciative to the Wakefield and surrounding communities that donate. We are so proud of what we have been able to accomplish in just two short years and hope we can keep giving back so generously.”
The organization wouldn’t be able to function without its volunteers who know the benefits of this group to the community and to themselves. Volunteer Traci Haglund shared, “When I volunteer, I love seeing the people who make stopping at Home and Closet a part of their thrifting routine! They have the best stories. Home and Closet gives so much back to our community-for the WHCC they donated to our Skilled Nursing Week celebration and sometimes we reach out on behalf of our residents who don’t have resources to purchase new clothes for themselves.” Volunteer Sandra Flack says, “Volunteering at the WHC, for me, is how I fill my desire to contribute to the community I live in. It is easy, flexible and has a 'social' aspect to it - it can be quite fun. It is a way to take what others 'move out of their lives' and find a way to have it contribute to our community, our town. Plus, I love thrifting!” Wakefield Home and Closet is always looking for more members of the community to partner with via volunteering or grants. Contact Traci Riewer at wakefieldhomeandcloset@gmail.com for any questions.
Volunteers include: Eunice Johnson, Jenna McAfee, Christy Roberts, LaVonne Carson, Hilda Pearson, Traci Haglund, Emma Brenn, Vickie Loofe, Barb Stout, Sandra Flack, Carol Clark, Kathy Fernau, Ellen Carlson, Ginger Nixon, Dawn Lubberstedt, and Sophia Sebade. Wakefield Home and Closet board members are Traci Riewer, Debbie Borg, Darcie Mackling, Sue Vander Veen, and Jessie Jacobsen.