The Creation of the Kindness Closet
It was a chilly day in December 2019 when Jenny DePaul, founder and CEO of Project Kind, heard rustling in her Toyota van as she was driving to do outreach for those experiencing homelessness in Newark, NJ. From the corner of her eye, she saw that it was a raccoon. Somehow, this furry friend found his way into the van where all the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were. Ever so slowly, Jenny’s new friend found his way onto her lap. They were eye-to-eye as she was driving. As soon as was possible, she pulled over, fully opened the window and waited for her newly-relocated friend to jump out. This was the moment when Jenny realized she cannot keep donations on her deck or in her car for long and when she realized she needed a physical space for food, donations, and events.
What is The Kindness Closet?
The Kindness Closet was born and is now a hub of the community. Volunteers come and help paint, sort, and organize. Children come to host their birthday parties. Companies come for team-building and community outreach. Although people come to the Kindness Closet for different reasons, they all leave feeling better they shared something special.
Corporate Team Building
Business donations to charity can be more than monetary. Further, they do not need to occur at the end of the year. Your company can come to the Kindness Closet for corporate team-building activities anytime. You will have the opportunity to participate in several ice breakers so the team can build their rapport. Next, you will either assemble our signature peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or toiletry-bags for homeless outreach. Your team will get to know each other better and learn a little bit more about themselves individually. We supply all materials, but welcome companies to bring their own donations, too!
We make it easy for you and will provide all materials. To cover everything for a four-hour session in The Kindness Closet, where your team will help assemble items for those in need. Please contact us to discuss pricing and how your company can help.
Group Volunteering
Faith-based groups, civic groups, social clubs, birthday parties, family volunteering, and even your next girls’ night out can all happen at the Kindness Closet. Project Kind always needs volunteers to help sort clothing, distribute food and clothing, and make kindness notes.
Hosting a birthday party at the Kindness Closet can make an impact on the children while positively impacting the community.
Children and Charity Events
Beyond hosting birthday parties, Project Kind hosts Kids’ Craft Days for kids. During this event Project Kind talks about the importance of loving one another and helping your community. So many children in our communities go without breakfast or dinner at home on a regular basis. Making children aware at a young age helps foster character and empathy. During Kids’ Craft Day they will create something for themselves and something for a child in need. It might be a bracelet, Kindness Note, or something else that is equally meaningful.
Participation cost may vary. Please contact us for information about pricing and scheduling.