Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank volunteers Cheryl DeLappe, Angela Dahrea, and Lisa Stratton have spent their time supporting the food bank for years, providing integral on-the-ground support for several of our programs. Their first-hand experience working with our team, the community we serve, and other local organizations fostered a desire to do more.
“The impact of volunteering on my life has been profound. The loss of a dear friend (and IFCB donor) is what initially brought me to the IFCB, looking for solace and closure. What I found was an incredible new group of friends, people grounded in compassion, kindness and respect,” Cheryl shared, adding “It has changed how I view the world and my place in it, and I am constantly in awe of what the IFCB and its volunteers accomplish together, week in and week out.”
In 2020, the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank had to make the difficult decision to dedicate our entire facility to food distribution to meet the rapidly growing need in our community. As a result, we are no longer able to accept or distribute clothing outside of emergency clothing for our unhoused neighbors and filling KidVantage orders for youth clothing. Our staff and volunteers understand that there is still a need in our community for accessible clothing, and this is what prompted Cheryl and Angela to start a new initiative to meet this need.
“In spring of 2023 I worked with the Issaquah School District to organize a Back-to-School Resource Fair. My job was to assist Lorna Gilmour with a clothing closet for families to visit during the Fair. I organized volunteers, donation drop offs, clothing sorting, and set up of the event. I recruited Cheryl Delappe (a fellow food bank volunteer) as one of my volunteers,” Angela shared, adding “Lorna was the spark and Cheryl was the positive force - through conversations with Lorna and our experiences at the food bank, we realized that a clothing closet was dearly missed and much needed in Issaquah.”
“After much consideration and consultation with the IFCB, we accepted Lorna’s challenge and officially formed the Community Clothing Closet earlier this year. Lisa Stratton, with her formidable marketing and communications skills, joined us and we are now building a strong foundation to provide quality clothing at no cost to those who need it most, bring communities together through events, and promote sustainability by keeping clothes out of landfills and into closets where they belong,” Cheryl continued.
“The places that I’ve volunteered have all been well established, but at heart, I’m a builder. So, when Angela and Cheryl invited me to join their new endeavor, I was excited about what we could build together, and from the ground up,” Lisa shared.
The Community Clothing Closet’s mission is to provide quality clothing at no cost to those who need it most, unite communities through events grounded in compassion over commerce, and champion sustainability by keeping clothes out of landfills and into closets where they belong.
The organization has hosted multiple events in Issaquah, offering opportunities to donate and shop for clothing at no cost. They have even hosted pop-up events at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, as well as other local food banks.
On October 20 and 21, the Community Clothing Closet hosted a clothing swap at the Pickering Barn in Issaquah. They reported that nearly 300 people donated gently used and new clothing with tags. Nearly 100 volunteers sorted, folded, and arranged the clothing into their free store that over 1,100 people shopped from. The store included clothing for kids, teens, women, men, and people of all sizes.
This organization has an impact on the entire community, bringing awareness to clothing insecurity and sustainable fashion.
“It means dignity. It means choice. It means showing up for people in a way that says, ‘You matter.’ The Community Clothing Closet isn’t just about clothes, it’s about creating a space where people feel respected, where volunteers feel empowered, and where the community comes together to meet real needs with compassion and care. It’s one of the most meaningful things I've ever been part of,” Lisa shared.
“There’s value in our community because of what we do as individuals. When we come together in any sort of capacity, that can invoke change,” Angela said.
The impact that Cheryl, Angela, and Lisa have on our community reaches far beyond their incredible work at IFCB. Their heart for caring for neighbors in need continues to connect with people in new and exciting ways, and we cannot wait to keep on cheering them on as our community partners!
To learn more about the Community Clothing Closet and upcoming events, visit Community Clothing Closet | Connecting community through clothing.