Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Tina and Wendy, Our Friends Closet began with a simple act of kindness—a single delivery to a student in need. What started as a small gesture quickly grew into a mission: ensuring no child feels unseen, unsupported, or left behind.

Today, we partner with more than 60 schools across St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington, St. Bernard, and Jefferson Parishes, responding daily to both ongoing needs and urgent requests from school counselors, social workers, and staff.

Who We Are

Our Friends Closet is a 501(c)(3) volunteer run nonprofit supporting homeless, low income, and unaccompanied students throughout Southeast Louisiana. We provide essential items that help students feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn—at no cost to them or their schools.

What We Provide

We deliver year round support tailored to the real time needs of students, including:

• Hygiene Kits – soap, deodorant, toothpaste, menstrual products, and other basics many students go without
• Individually packaged snacks and meals – for students facing food insecurity at home or during the school day
• Dignity Items – shoes, socks, uniforms, lice treatments, and other essentials that help students feel comfortable and confident
• Emergency Support – clothing, shoes, bikes, space heaters, and more, shared through our Facebook and Instagram pages when urgent needs arise

Why It Matters

Students experiencing homelessness or poverty face challenges that extend far beyond the classroom. A lack of basic necessities can lead to:

• Absenteeism
• Social stigma
• Emotional distress
• Difficulty focusing or participating in school

By meeting these needs with compassion, consistency, and zero barriers, Our Friends Closet helps students feel seen, valued, and capable of thriving.

Join Us

Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission—directly impacts the lives of students who need it most. Together, we can ensure every child has access to the essentials that restore dignity and hope.

Every effort matters. Every contribution changes a life.

Financial Transparency

We believe in radical transparency and responsible stewardship.

• 98% of all donations go directly to students.
• 2% covers administrative costs.
• 0 paid employees. Our organization is powered entirely by volunteers-from packing hygiene kits to coordinating deliveries across multiple parishes.

This lean, efficient model ensures your support goes exactly where it’s needed: into the hands of students facing homelessness, poverty, and food insecurity. Every dollar counts. Every item matters. Every student deserves dignity.

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