WEST CHESTER, Ohio — Hope's Closet, a West Chester organization that provides free clothing to foster families, is experiencing a shortage of items as demand increases this season.
The organization's leaders said that hundreds of foster families have been shopping for clothing this year, an increase from last year, creating a strain on their inventory.
"When I first came four months ago to get stuff initially, this was all full, so the bassinet area, this was all full," said Hannah Riesenberg, a foster parent.
WATCH: Riesenberg, who fosters seven children between the ages of 4 months to 11 years old, visits Hope's Closet three times a year
Riesenberg has witnessed the dramatic decrease in available items firsthand.
"Sometimes (a family could have) twins, so a family could easily today need to bassinets and we'd only have two left," Riesenberg said.
For families like Riesenberg's, Hope's Closet provides crucial financial relief.
"For me it just makes me feel like we need to get a little bit more community outreach and we need to pour back into these foster kids," Riesenberg said.
The organization has served over 400 children since September, with an average of 10 shopping visits per day. Each family can receive 10 free outfits per visit.
Nikki O'Dwyer, who fosters eight children, told us about the positive impact he organization has had on her family.
"Our kids just love coming, it's like them Christmas shopping, so it's been very helpful for our family," O'Dwyer said.
O'Dwyer said she hopes the organization's impact will inspire community members to contribute.
"If you're looking for a way to help during the holidays, Hope's Closet would be one of the places to donate," O'Dwyer said.
Donations can be dropped off at Hope's Closet or made online. The organization has set a goal of raising $10,000 for Giving Tuesday in December.
The organization is currently seeking the following donations:
Socks:
- Infant & Toddler sizes
- Kids sizes small, medium and large
Underwear:
- Boys sizes 2 through 14
- Teen Boys sizes small, medium and large (boxer briefs to other styles)
Boys:
- Pants sizes 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12
- Shirts size 7
- Pajamas sizes 10 and 12
Teens:
- Boys athletic pants sizes extra small through large
- Graphic T-shirts
Coats and Jackets:
- Boys winter coats sizes 6, 8, 10 and 12
- Girls winter coats sizes 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14
- Boys jackets sizes 6 and 7
Baby Gear:
- Wipes
- Pull-ups (larger sizes)
- Strollers
- Bassinets
- Pacifiers
- Baby shampoo, lotions
- Baby monitors
- Thermometers
- Nail Clippers
- Activity Seats
- Diaper Bags
