The Hope Closet is a community-based nonprofit organization focused on serving southern Wake County. Our areas of service include Fuquay-Varina (27526), Holly Springs (27540), Apex (27539), Angier (27501), Willow Spring (27592), and South Raleigh (27603). However, if you are a Social Worker serving a family in crisis outside of these zip codes, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance with connecting you to a community partner in your area of Wake County. Our goal at The Hope Closet is to eliminate barriers around timely assistance for families in crisis, and we will take the time and care to walk with families and social workers to find the help you need.

We accept the following new, like-new, and gently-used items in good condition:

• Furniture (Dressers, couches, beds, bunk beds, sleeper sofas are the most needed)

• Housewares and kitchen items (Utensils, pots, pans, etc.)

• Kitchen appliances (toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, etc.)

• Towels and washcloths (Sets only, no single items)

• Linens and bedding (Please bag and label by size)

• Cleaning products (Laundry detergent, Clorox wipes, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, etc.). These items must be new and sealed.

• Hygiene products (Soap, shampoo, body wash, feminine products, deodorant, etc.) These items must new and sealed.

• Toys (new, like new/excellent condition)

• Seasonal clothing for adults and children’s clothing all year long (no stains or damage). Depending on current needs and storage capacity, The Hope Closet sometimes pauses clothing donations and will provide recommendations on community partners who distribute clothing free of charge in the community.

• Baby items, diapers, wipes, etc.

• Children's books and Bibles

• School supplies and bookbags

Please keep in mind that the items we distribute are intended to gift dignity in addition to meeting a physical need. Therefore, please only donate items that are clean and have no stains, tears, heavy wear.

Please consider donating items from our Amazon Wish List (items will be shipped directly): https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3262PWP6O7QX7?ref_=wl_share

Reach out through our Contact Form and check “I want to donate items” to confirm the donation and schedule a drop off. Space is limited at The Hope Closet, and we never want donated items to sit unused. Therefore, we prioritize accepting items that meet the anticipated needs of individuals and families we are currently serving.

You can also have items shipped to us directly by purchasing off our Amazon Wish List of ongoing needs: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3262PWP6O7QX7?ref_=wl_share

Fill out our Contact Form and check the “I want to volunteer” box today! We want to encourage volunteers from all ages and walks of life - Families with kids, teens looking for community service hours, friend groups looking for a rewarding service project, Churches and church-based small groups, local businesses, and more!‍ Below are just a few of many service opportunities with The Hope Closet: ‍

1. Move Team Sign up to receive notifications about opportunities to deliver essential household items to individuals and families facing hardship. We often serve families who have no furniture to sit on nor beds for every child. Delivering these items directly is deeply rewarding and creates a meaningful, lasting impact. This role requires the physical ability to lift 50 lbs or more. Fitness groups and high school age youth with parents are welcome!

2. Outreach Team Sign up to receive notifications about opportunities to hand-deliver essential household items to individuals and families in need.

   Outreach Team volunteers may serve independently (with flexibly) to help deliver care packages to homebound individuals or to local school social workers with whom we partner; or, they may opt to volunteer in groups of 6-10 on a set date delivering pre-made bags of essential items (such as hygiene items or cleaning supplies) to families living in local section 8 communities.

   These simple acts of kindness to meet people where they are in both location and life help people who are quietly struggling feel seen, loved, and hopeful. This service opportunity is perfect for Church small groups, families and friends of all ages.

3. Care Team Sign up to help from home in a wide variety of service opportunities. For example, arrange premade bags of essential items for delivery, write notecards with prayers or encouraging words to go in delivery bags, visit a senior, or participate in a meal train. This service opportunity is ideal for school-age children, families, or individuals with physical limitations.

Monetary donations are our most urgent need right now. We collect funds to help secure our physical space so The Hope Closet can continue to exist as an emergency resource in our community.

We also use funds to assist with needs that we can't meet with donated items from The Hope Closet. For example, when we need shoes for a child who’s size we don't carry, urgent needs for diapers or formula, a bunk bed for a small apartment with multiple kids, a hotel for a night for a woman/child fleeing domestic violence, etc.

Many people we serve are in crisis situations and need immediate help. 100% of your dollars are invested back into our community to help us meet emergency needs faster and more efficiently.

Please visit the GIVE page to make a monetary donation or email info@hopecloset.org for questions or additional information.

No. The Hope Closet is not affiliated with one single Church or ministry. However, many of our Board members and volunteers are personally motivated to serve the community based upon their faith. Regardless of religious affiliation, ALL volunteers are welcome and appreciated. It takes a community to lift a community—and, as the saying goes, “Many hands make light work"!

The Hope Closet is located at 114 E. Jones Street, Fuquay-Varina behind the John Byrne Municipal Building (Town Hall). Drop-offs are by appointment only.

The best way to reach us is through our Contact page. Below are additional ways to reach us:

Email: info@hopecloset.org

Phone: 919-335-5349

The Hope Closet Board of Directors is made up of the following community servants:

• Ashley Manstedt (Board President and Founder)

• Jill Luttman (Vice President and Founder)

• Alie Vaughn (Secretary)

• Theresa Cooley (Member at Large)

• Joyce Delgado-Mistler (Committee for Economically Disadvantaged Families)

• Deb Obermeier (Committee for the Unhoused)

• Carol Staup (Committee for the Unhoused)

• Christine Williams (Committee for Senior Services)