Carol’s Closet marks 10 years of service in northeast Iowa
Carol’s Closet (CC) is celebrating a milestone this fall - 10 years of providing support to veterans, families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities across northeast Iowa. What started as a small community effort a decade ago has now grown into a multi-county nonprofit serving more than 550 people in the past year alone.
The organization is named in honor of Carol Dvorak of Spillville, who lived with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Jane and Chuck Sparrgrove were her caregivers for five years in their home.
Jane Sparrgrove did many activities with Carol, both in the community and at home, and one of those home projects became the seed for the nonprofit. Together, the two began sorting donations and giving away baby clothes and diapers to families in need - an effort that grew into the Carol’s Closet mission named in Carol’s honor and still thriving today.
Today, the organization serves Clayton, Fayette, Buchanan, Allamakee, Delaware, Winneshiek, and surrounding counties. Donations provide everything from household goods and children’s clothing to walkers, wheelchairs, and other medical equipment. While most items are donated, financial contributions help cover expenses for items that are not normally donated, such as diapers, car seats, and cribs. Donations also support the nonprofit’s Waukon location, which now requires $500 in monthly rent.
Carol’s Closet has two locations: its original site north of Strawberry Point, where Jane Sparrgrove serves as co-director, and a storefront in Waukon, managed by co-director Karen Ehde. Both sites are operated entirely by volunteers. Waukon’s store is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and, despite experiencing a fire earlier this year, has resumed regular operations.
Over the past decade, Carol’s Closet has extended its reach beyond families in immediate need. Recipients have included nursing home residents, foster families, grandparents raising grandchildren, churches preparing baby layettes, and even fire victims who lost everything.
To help cover costs, visitors to both locations are now asked to contribute a minimum of $1 if they are able. Community support also plays a big role in sustaining the nonprofit - whether through bake sales, church diaper drives, or inviting representatives to speak about their mission.
“Carol’s Closet has been able to serve for 10 years because of you,” the group shared in its fall newsletter, thanking donors for their ongoing support.
Anyone wishing to donate items or financial support - or who knows someone in need - can call 563-608-9649. No paperwork is required for assistance.
Upcoming 10-year anniversary drive-through meals are being held as a fundraiser for the cause. The Waukon location will host such an event Sunday, September 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (see advertisement below). The Strawberry Point location event is scheduled to be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 26.
