Launched in 2022 to provide personal care and household cleaning products for families in need who are also receiving services through the YCSC Outpatient Clinic, Someone Cares Closet grew out of a collaboration between the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and Claire’s Corner Copia in New Haven, Connecticut.
A new Target wish list is now available for direct donations. Over the last two years, an on-going collection of items at Claire’s on 1000 Chapel Street in New Haven and an amazon wish list have brought in many donations—and now, as announced on WTNH Channel 8 earlier this month, the project is collaborating with an area restaurant as part of a donation campaign to benefit Someone Cares Closet.
The first annual donation drive will be hosted by Vina’s Wine and Tapas Restaurant on 85 Orange Street in New Haven, from November 13 through December 3, 2024. Patrons who bring in at least one personal care product will enjoy a 10% discount on their meal. Monetary donations will also be accepted, and a kick-off event will be held on November 13 beginning at 7:00 p.m. with live music. Reservations can be made by calling 203-891-5791.
The project was developed jointly by YCSC Assistant Clinical Professor Carolina Rivera Parrott, LCSW and Claire’s Corner Copia owner and namesake Claire Criscuolo, RN to addresses hygiene poverty, a term used to describe the inability to afford everyday hygiene items that many people take for granted. “Someone Cares Closet” accepts donated items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, feminine products, household cleaning supplies, and more.