Carol’s Closet in Waukon hosts Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, welcomes donations, volunteers to continue its mission of helping ...
Carol’s Closet, located at 26 Spring Avenue in Waukon, held a Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Monday, September 19 in the Waukon City Park, providing a meal to the facility’s many volunteers and their family members as a way to show how valuable they are to the mission of the organization. Some of those volunteers are pictured in the surrounding submitted photos and Waukon location coordinator Karen Fay Ehde of Harpers says the facility “couldn’t do what it does without our volunteers,” who offer their donated services in many aspects, such as manning the Spring Avenue storefront, sorting and displaying of items, pick-up and delivery of donated items, maintenance and other upkeep of the Waukon location, among other aspects.
Originating in Strawberry Point nearly a decade ago, Carol’s Closet was first established with the goal of “doing our part in making the world a better place for all,” focusing on achieving that goal by being a resourceful refuge for families and individuals, offering clothing and other items that were donated for others to use at no cost who may be facing financial or other challenges in their lives. Ehde was involved with that original Carol’s Closet location in Strawberry Point for about two years before she had the idea of meeting a similar need in her home county of Allamakee, opening up a Waukon location on Spring Avenue in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic tightened its grip on so many who found refuge in the items and services offered by Carol’s Closet.
Operated solely through the donations of others and the generous time of a volunteer staff that meets a variety of the facilities needs, Carol’s Closet in Waukon provides support for local families, veterans and senior citizens. The Waukon location will take donations of infant clothing size 0 to size 16 kids, along with accessories such as narrow-railed cribs, toys, furniture and other household items that are gently used and can continue to be used by others. Assistance devices, such as walkers or wheelchairs, are also welcome in trying to serve the needs of the older generation that may be in need of assistance.
Carol’s Closet is a recognized Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 501(c) (3) charity, so any and all donations are tax deductible. Volunteer efforts can also be recorded for any school or religion-rated community service requirements, as well as simply to fulfill the desire of anyone wanting to provide a helping hand. To arrange for making a donation of items or of financial means, to volunteer, or to receive assistance provided by Carol’s Closet, the organization can also be contacted by Facebook message or by calling 563-608-9649.
