Nana’s Closet Soon to Offer Back-to-School Essentials

Operation Santa of Kettle Falls is expanding outside of the holiday season. The same outfitter that has been helping families in need, since Judy Davis founded it in1982, is broadening with a new initiative: Nana’s Closet.

“Nana’s Closet is a branch of Operation Santa,” said Patty Adamson, longtime volunteer with Operation Santa and manager of Nana’s Closet. “There is a huge need for kids going back to school. Kids will need clothes and back to school supplies.”

Adamson added, “Nana’s Closet will outfit kids with everything they need from head to toe. This will include clothes, underwear, school supplies, backpacks, hygiene items, and shoes.”

Nana’s Closet plans to be open for three weeks before school starts, from August 20 through September 3. “It will operate like a little store, where a family can come in, browse the shelves and racks, and try things on,” Adamson said. “The difference is that we will be open by appointment only. This is to ensure the privacy of the family. Also, it is a small space, and we want the family to have a nice shopping experience with no pressure.”

The merchandise will be geared toward kids, Adamson said, but Nana’s Closet will carry clothing from baby to adult. Volunteers will be available to help folks try on clothing. “Each person will be able to choose three to four outfits, and then they can leave. If we run out of inventory, then we plan on setting up a donation drive.”

Adamson, who is known as Nana to kids all over the community, said that Nana's Closet was named after her 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.”

Adamson moved to Kettle Falls five years ago from Snohomish; as soon as she moved to the area, she saw a Facebook ad looking for volunteers for Operation Santa.

“Chuck and Shelby Omit run Operation Santa now that Judy passed. Christmas time here is magical. The things that happen during December are magical,” said Adamson, adding that, “If someone says they need something, it magically appears. We all work together to make this happen, and we’re going to do the same thing with Nana’s Closet.

“Most of the donations come from the community, but Boise Cascade has donated brand new school supplies,” said Adamson. “Walmart has also given us a lot of new items. And all of our hygiene supplies and makeup are brand new and come from Project Beauty Share. They help us to do more than give out clothes. We want kids to feel good and confident when they return to school.”

Nana’s Closet continues to accept donations and volunteer help ahead of their opening. “We are working hard at getting everything set up so that we will be looking like a department store when we open on August 20. We save the best of the best items for back to school,” Adamson said. 

For information call Patty or Tom Adamson at 509-419-8682, Chuck and Shelby Omit at 509-769-8997, or visit Operation Santa or the Kettle Falls Community Resource Page on Facebook. Nana’s Closet is available by appointment only.