notes: ->
status: Open -> Unknown

notes: Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576. ->
cat_notes: -> 1/5/12 removed old notes Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576.

notes: Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576. -> Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576.
region: -> Northwest

parish: -> Washington
notes: Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576. -> Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576.

town: -> Tigard
address: -> 9000 SW Durham Road
notes: Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576. -> Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576.
zip: 00000 -> 97224
latitude: -> 45.40408
longitude: -> -122.766228

notes: Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576. -> Caring Closet ramps up for growing demand Donations are constantly needed to help more students By Barbara Sherman The Regal Courier, Dec 23, 2009, Updated Dec 23, 2009 Barbara Sherman / Regal Courier CARING VOLUNTEERS — Illrin Jacobson (left) and Suzanne Martinez sort through and label donated clothing in the back room of the Caring Closet on the Tigard High School campus. The front half of the facility looks just like a real store, and qualified families come to “shop” for school clothes and also receive hygiene kits. The Caring Closet is always a busy place, but it has really been bustling in December. The facility, located in a portable on the Tigard High School campus, is in its 11th year of providing clothing and hygiene products to students in the Tigard-Tualatin School District as well as household staples such as sheets, towels, laundry detergent and other items. Families must be pre-qualified by a principal, teacher or counselor at their school and then make appointments to "shop" at the facility that is set up just like a store. During the 2008-09 school year, the Closet served 1,400 kids, which was almost double the number from the year before. This year, it has served more than 600 students between the time school opened in early September and the start of Christmas vacation. "And we have so many homeless kids this year," said volunteer Jani Gordon. "We desperately need blankets, sleeping bags, all kinds of cold weather gear." The Closet volunteers also hand out store gift cards, TriMet bus passes, gasoline vouchers and similar items that help keep families afloat, all of which must be donated or purchased with contributions. In the past, the Closet has given each qualified child a week's worth of clothing plus toiletry items and a book in addition to household items needed by the family in the fall and again in the spring. But this year, in December the calls were already coming in from families asking if they could get another round of clothing. "There is a huge need right now," Gordon said. "It's heartbreaking." In addition to the items mentioned above, the Closet always needs donations of new underwear and socks, boys' jeans, pajamas and twin bed sheets. The Closet is open Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. for donations to be dropped off, and families can make appointments to "shop" during those hours. The Closet's mission is "Helping hands with a heart for kids," and its volunteers want to remind people that the gift of clothes makes a huge difference in kids' lives. "This holiday season the Caring Closet gives a big thanks to the 200 people and organizations who have donated their time, clothes and money to the Closet since September," the holiday newsletter reports. "The Caring Closet will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 13, making your donations now even more critical. The need is great, the chill is greater, and children need clothes now more than ever. "As you receive new clothes for the holidays, think of those less fortunate. Donate old clothes that don't fit as you receive new ones or as you shop January clearance sales. If you feel you have none to give, collect cans and bottles to raise money for the Closet or collect clothes in your neighborhood. Anything helps." Also, the Caring Closet is a great outlet to help those in need and to fulfill volunteer or community service requirements, according to director Marilyn Hassmann. People are asked to contact the Closet to find out about various ways to help, from pop can drives to shopping for great deals. For more information, call 503-603-1576.