Jennifer Finnegan

The Giving Closet Project, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL) provides clothing and hygiene products to students in need, elevating their self-esteem and dignity. Our grassroots, organization was founded by a former Duval County teacher in April 2016. Today, we are a one-stop shop for educators, making sure that their students' basic needs are met throughout the school year. Upcycling unclaimed lost and found clothing from schools was how the GCP started, but it has blossomed into something better over time. Building strategic partnerships and fostering relationships with other nonprofits and community leaders is a must to ensure the greatest impact and outcomes for our youth. Weekly, we receive student referrals from counselors, case managers, social workers, and teachers. Our volunteers fill or "shop" to fulfill these orders at our Giving Closet district "hubs" and then deliver care packages out to schools within one week. Lost and Found Makeover Program: This program was created to support schools in creating an efficient lost and found system at their school. Since April 2016, we have upcycled more than 150,000 pounds of unclaimed clothing from school lost and founds. That clothing then becomes part of our inventory. We provide schools with the resources they need to have a well-organized and manageable lost and found area, so more students can easily reunite with their lost items.