Kettle Falls Group Outfits Kids for School

Nana’s Closet, an outfitter for children whose families can’t afford to purchase back-to-school clothes and supplies, is about to open its doors for its second year in Kettle Falls. “Nana’s Closet was put together by Operation Santa,” said Patty Adamson, who is the manager of Nana’s Closet and is also known as Nana. “There are a lot of families that struggle with outfitting their kids for school.

Prices have increased, and kids will need clothes and back to school supplies. We provide everything a child needs so that they can go back to school with smiles on their faces.” Nana’s Closet was established last year with the goal of offering kids anything they might need for the upcoming school year, including clothes, underwear, school supplies, backpacks, hygiene items, and shoes. The organization is an expansion of Operation Santa, a Kettle Falls outfitter that has been helping families in need during the holidays since Judy Davis founded it in 1982.

“We operate just like a department store, like last year. We are open only in the three weeks before school starts and by appointment only, and we assign someone to walk through the store with each child to assist in picking out clothes,” said Adamson. “We operate this way in order to make sure that privacy is maintained.” She continued, “We have a great group of volunteers who bring clothes and help out in the store. We’re not yet open and are already getting calls. Nana’s Closet has the same three volunteers as last year plus two of my granddaughters and my niece.” The merchandise will be geared toward kids, Adamson said, but Nana’s Closet also carries clothing for babies up to adults.

Volunteers can assist kids in trying on clothing. Each student will be able to choose three to four outfits plus school supplies and hygiene items. Nana’s Closet is named after Adamson, also a long- time volunteer with Operation Santa, because “everyone thinks of her as a grandma.” “I love that I get to be a part of this,” she said. “I love that Kettle Falls is a community that comes together for everything. There are some challenges that we face in operations, like developing a routine and dealing with the heat in the building, since there is no air conditioning.

We try to take appointments in the morning due to the afternoon heat. “But we get to see the smiles, and the kids get to go through the store and pick out whatever they want. Everyone’s hearts are so full.” Adamson added, “Most of the donations come from the community, and Boise Cascade continues to be our biggest support. We want kids to feel good and confident when they return to school.” Nana’s Closet accepts donations, including clothes, shoes, and any type of school supplies. Nana’s Closet re- quests no Operation Santa donations.

“We anticipate more children in need this year than last, as there is more of a need in this community. We want to get the word out that we are here to help,” she said. Nana’s Closet is scheduled to be open Aug. 7-21. For information, call Patty or Tom Adamson at 509- 419-8682 or Chuck or Shelby Omit at 509-769-8997. Nana’s Closet is located at 455 Meyer Street.