The Health & Physical Education Student Organization (H&PE) at NEIU recently reopened its first Community Closet for students. Dr. Kimberly Maljak, the faculty advisor for H&PE, and other officers put together this closet in fall of 2023. 

H&PE wanted to do something charitable for the community and chose to create the Community Closet. NEIU alumni and faculty staff members have donated lots of clothing.

The mission of the Community Closet is to “provide food and clothing to those in need of a midday snack, change of clothes, or just something to take home,” Dr. Maljak said. “At first, it was with my own money to purchase food for the closet.”

The Community Closet is still in need of donations, including food and clothing, but especially non-perishable foods. Donors may drop off their items at the P.E. Complex. The Community Closet also accepts monetary donations, which would be used towards food purchases for which donors would receive receipts of their donations.

Since the Community Closet’s reopening, there has been some foot traffic of students in the first two days with a full inventory during opening day. It opens every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room 2104 and is run completely by volunteer workers.

The Community Closet is open and free to all NEIU students, including El Centro and CCICS. Walk-ins are also welcomed. To coordinate with Dr. Maljak, contact via email ([email protected]).