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Join us in empowering youth through dignified access to clothing

At Butterfly Closet, we are dedicated to easing clothing insecurity and supporting the potential of young people in our community. Our mission is to empower every child with dignity, respect, and confidence, creating a space where they can thrive and succeed.

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Facts

10% of students

are chronically absent due to clothing insecurity

20% of students

have been bullied about their clothing

25,000+ children

in Connecticut affected

Source: According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, approximately 10% of students are chronically absent from school, and clothing insecurity is recognized as a contributing factor. Research from the National Center for Children in Poverty indicates that nearly 20% of students from low-income families have missed school due to a lack of appropriate clothing.

Our Approach

Butterfly Closet was founded to address clothing insecurity and meet the essential material needs of children and teens from low-income families throughout the state of Connecticut. Access to clean, appropriate clothing is crucial for participation in daily activities, including school and social events. Many children in Connecticut face barriers in obtaining not just clothing but also vital items such as socks, underwear, shoes, hygiene products, and school supplies.

We provide free clothing, shoes, and care products for children of all ages, with diapers and wipes for infants and toddlers, in collaboration with community organizations supporting those in need.

Disclaimer

The Butterfly Closet, a program of the Anna Kobylarz Hope Foundation, provides donated clothing, shoes, and essential items to children and families in our community. Items may be new or gently used, depending on availability.

While our team works with great care to ensure items are clean and in good condition at the time of packing, we cannot guarantee the safety, condition, or suitability of any donated item.

By requesting or accepting a Butterfly Closet package, you agree to:

Inspect all items carefully before use

Wash all clothing and fabrics prior to wear

Make sure each item is safe and appropriate for your child

Understand that the parent or guardian is responsible for deciding whether an item should be used

The Anna Kobylarz Hope Foundation and its volunteers are not liable for any issues that may arise from use of donated items.

Exchange Guidelines

If items do not fit or meet your needs:

Please return the entire package to your coordinator to request an exchange

Shoes may be exchanged separately

Exchanges depend on donated inventory and available sizes

These guidelines ensure the Butterfly Closet remains safe, supportive, and fair for all families we serve.

How You Can Help

Donate clothes, shoes, and personal care items

We are dedicated to working with each child to understand their individual needs and tailor our support accordingly. We provide essential items, including clothing suitable for school and diapers for infants and toddlers.

Volunteer

Help us prepare clothing for local youth by sorting, organizing, and packing donations. Your time behind the scenes ensures every child receives clothing that’s clean and organized.

Donate money

A simple act of giving can change a child’s day—and their confidence. Donate today to help us provide clothing with care and dignity.

Our Mission and Impact

Butterfly Closet was founded to address clothing insecurity and meet the essential material needs of children and teens from low-income families throughout the state. Access to clean, appropriate clothing is crucial for participation in daily activities, including school and social events. Many children in Connecticut face barriers in obtaining not just clothing but also vital items such as socks, underwear, shoes, hygiene products, and school supplies.

Children experiencing clothing insecurity may encounter challenges academically and socially. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, approximately 10% of students are chronically absent from school, and clothing insecurity is recognized as a contributing factor. Research from the National Center for Children in Poverty indicates that nearly 20% of students from low-income families have missed school due to a lack of appropriate clothing.
 
When children do attend school, they may face bullying or stigma related to their clothing situation, which can affect their self-esteem and confidence. This cycle of absenteeism and academic challenges creates obstacles to educational completion and achieving full potential. The effects of clothing insecurity are particularly pronounced among marginalized communities, highlighting existing inequalities and limiting opportunities for success.
At Butterfly Closet, we believe that every child deserves the dignity and self-assurance that comes from having access to the essentials they need to thrive.

Supporting Each Child’s Unique Journey

We are dedicated to working with each child to understand their individual needs and tailor our support accordingly. We provide essential items, including clothing suitable for school and diapers for infants and toddlers.
Through our humanitarian efforts, we strive to cultivate a compassionate community where every child feels valued and supported. While we aim to provide meaningful assistance, we acknowledge that our resources are intended to complement other available support systems. We encourage community collaboration to address the broader issues surrounding clothing insecurity.
We invite you to join us in our mission to uplift those in need, ensuring that no child has to struggle alone. Together, we can sow the seeds of kindness and resilience, empowering future generations to realize their dreams.

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