A volunteer-run Loveland nonprofit has provided free clothing to nearly 300 children in its first six months of operation.
RePete's Closet for Kids, at 541 Loveland Madeira Road, served about 150 families between its opening in April and the six-month mark, according to a nonprofit spotlight the City of Loveland posted to Facebook, as first reported by the Clermont Guardian on Wednesday, Oct. 7.
The organization gives clothing, shoes and accessories at no cost to eligible families with children from birth through high school graduation. Every item is inspected for stains, rips or excessive wear before it reaches the shelves.
Founder and executive director Linda Bergholz set up the space to feel more like a boutique than a donation bin. "There's no bag handed to you with random items. Kids get to pick what they like — just like any other store," Bergholz told The Loveland Daily in April when the nonprofit opened.
Each child in a qualifying family receives 40 points per quarter to spend on clothing. Items carry point values: T-shirts cost two points, leggings three. Families can return multiple times per quarter as inventory changes, according to a September profile in Loveland Lifestyle magazine.
To qualify, families must show proof of address in one of seven zip codes served — 45140, 45150, 45249, 45039, 45040, 45065 and 45122 — and fall within federal poverty guidelines.
The nonprofit is run entirely by volunteers and supported by clothing and monetary donations. It is collecting new socks of all sizes through its "Sock-tober" drive and said it always needs new underwear, boys' clothing, baby boy clothing and teen clothing in larger sizes. Volunteers are needed to sort and stock clothing, clean shoes, do laundry and assist clients.
Fall Festival on Oct. 17
RePete's Closet will hold its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17. Registered clients will receive free winter coats, hoodies and Halloween costumes.
The nonprofit is named in memory of Bergholz's mother, Mary Louise Fisher, a Pete Rose fan whose family called her "Pete." The name blends that personal history with the idea of clothing being worn and shared again.
One story from the nonprofit's first months captures the mission. A family that lost most of its belongings in a flood, including the children's shoes, left RePete's with shoes, pants, shirts, underwear and socks for every child. One boy put on his new outfit before walking out the door.
RePete's Closet for Kids is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information on donating, volunteering or scheduling a shopping appointment is at repetesclosetforkids.org.
