Anne Mautner

Kindness Closet: Supporting Dignity and Health in North Carolina At the Kindness Closet, our mission is to enhance the dignity and health of vulnerable populations in North Carolina by providing essential hygiene products not covered by government assistance. We recognize that one in three low-income families faces hygiene insecurity, struggling to afford basic necessities like shampoo, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and laundry detergent. For these families, the cost of hygiene essentials can exceed $2,200 annually, significantly impacting their health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Through strategic partnerships with community organizations, clinics, schools, and free Closets across our county, we ensure that anyone in need can access these vital products. We are also dedicated to fostering a compassionate community by offering engaging service opportunities for local volunteers. Our work addresses the hidden consequences of hygiene poverty, which can lead to poor health, increased absenteeism, low academic performance, and mental distress, especially among children. By removing barriers to essential hygiene products, we strive to end hygiene insecurity in our state and uplift the lives of those we serve. Join us in our mission to create a healthier, more dignified future for all North Carolinians.