No child should wake up worried about how they look, feel, or smell because they can’t afford a bar of soap or tube of toothpaste. Children are significantly more likely to miss school when there is a chance they will be teased about the smell or appearance of their clothes. Hygiene products deliver health, confidence, and dignity to those in need.
For all of these reasons and more, the Someone Cares Closet (SCC) was launched in early 2022, in response to an overlooked hygiene crisis in New Haven and beyond. The project is a collaborative effort between Claire’s Corner Copia and the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC). The SCC provides donated personal care and household cleaning products for children and families who receive services at YCSC.
Several dedicated YCSC community members volunteer their time to sort SCC donations, process requests, and answer questions from clients, clinicians, and staff. Families who receive services through the YCSC outpatient clinic and in-home programs may request items through a confidential survey provided by clinicians, through an easy-to-use online QR code.
Donated items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, household cleaning supplies, baby wipes, washcloths, band aids, deodorant, and more can be dropped off at Claire’s on 1000 Chapel Street in New Haven, or at the YCSC outpatient clinic on 350 George Street. An Amazon wish is also available to donate items and have them shipped directly to the closet.
Donation Drop-off Locations
Claire's Corner Copia
1000 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Yale Child Study Center
350 George St, New Haven CT 06511