A student-led project to collect clothing for campus donation has blossomed into a permanent service.
The Huskie Closet launched as a pilot program this fall, initiated by Northern Illinois University students through the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies. The idea was a year in the making, sparked by a then-senator in the Student Government Association who wanted to provide winter wear for Huskies.
“I’ve grown up with NIU my entire life, and I wanted to do something that would serve the people in our community in a tangible way — and demonstrate what student government can do,” said Clayton Schopfer, a double-major in political science and Spanish from Sycamore who plans to graduate in 2022. “Thanks to the support we received to make it a fixture on campus, the Huskie Closet can continue to serve students sustainably while also providing leadership, volunteer and professional opportunities.”
Schopfer initially joined forces with the Huskie Food Pantry and a pre-existing used-clothing resource, Swap Don’t Shop, to get his dream of a winter-wear drive going. Then, fellow SGA Senator Jacob Burg suggested Schopfer explore a partnership with the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies.
“The Center has a history on campus of supporting these high-profile student engagement activities,” said Alicia Schatteman, Ph.D., director of the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies and an associate professor of nonprofit management. “Just like the Communiversity Gardens inspired by Huskies — this effort can live beyond one semester through institutional support and connections with partners across campus. The Huskie Closet is student-led, student-supported and really meets a student need.”
A philanthropy and fundraising class acquired $5,000 in donations through a crowdfunding campaign to provide two paid internships to staff the closet. Students designed the logo and promotional materials.
The Huskie Closet is located in room 102 of Athletics’ Chick Evans Field House. Supplemented by the student-run Barsema’s Closet for business attire, the Huskie Closet offers everyday clothing organized inclusively by size. Customers may shop for unlimited free items. Near the food pantry, the closet operates with similar hours on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.
Staff, faculty and community members are invited to donate clothing of all kinds to the Huskie Closet — but especially NIU-branded Huskie gear, warm winter wear, and new packages of socks or underwear. Donations can be dropped off at the closet, as well as at the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies in Zulauf 114 or at the Student Government Association in the Holmes Student Center’s OASIS space.
As the Huskie Closet develops its campus presence, employees and students are encouraged to sign up as volunteers! Contact HuskieCloset@niu.edu or 815-753-4410 for more information.
