Community Clothes Closet

Menasha, Wisconsin

Nonprofit promotional items elevate PajamaRama

Community Clothes Closet opens in new window is a nonprofit that provides free clothing and essential items to those in need—helping them gain confidence, stay safe and feel connected. What began in 1980 as a small church group has grown to serve more than 12,000 people annually. Its 20,000-square-foot facility handles about 2 million pieces of donated clothing each year. “Anything we receive that isn’t in the right condition to give to our clients, we give to an upcycling organization that makes textiles, insulation and other materials,” said Karissa Buck, development director.

Community Clothes Closet programs are referral-based and most of the families or individuals served are referred from local food pantries, social agencies, schools and churches. Those who receive free clothing or other important items through these programs include individuals with disabilities, older adults, people navigating homelessness, veterans, students, refugees, domestic violence survivors, children entering the foster care system, and those impacted by fires or floods.

Programs help meet basic needs

All the organization’s programs are driven by a handful of employees along with a dedicated team of about 180 weekly volunteers. The Shopping Floor is a shopping area with new and gently used clothing and accessories for all ages, plus bedding, pillows and towels. Clients shop twice per month. The Traveling Closet program brings free clothing to five nearby rural areas. Other programs provide baby kits for parents of newborns, prom attire for high school students and winter gear for children.

Nonprofit promotional items highlight sponsors

Another program, PajamaRama, is held each December for families with children ages 2 to 12. It offers all the essentials for a good night’s sleep. Each participating child receives new pajamas, a pillow and pillowcase, a blanket, a book and a stuffed animal.

In 2025, PajamaRama served nearly 400 children. A one by one grant provided promo bookmarks opens in new window for families to take home with their new reading materials. The bookmarks featured the branding of Community Clothes Closet and its “Storytime Star” sponsors that helped make the event possible. It was the first time PajamaRama had sponsorship support, Buck said, so giving those organizations recognition was important. “We also wanted to offer something the families could immediately use, and bookmarks were a perfect fit,” she said.

A note from Cheryl

For more than 45 years, Community Clothes Closet’s programs have impacted countless lives. We’re inspired by the organization’s work and were proud to provide nonprofit promotional items to help make PajamaRama a little more special. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com opens in new window.

For more information about Community Clothes Closet, please visit https://communityclothescloset.org/ opens in new window