This winter, join with Duke alumni as we purchase warm winter clothing and new, full-sized toiletries for students in need. Our donations will be provided to Catie's Closet, which distributes these necessities to students in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Catie's Closet supports over 50,000 students in 90 schools, ranging from pre-K to high schools. In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Catie's Closet has seen a 100% increase in the need for clothing and hygiene items. Many of the students and families they support are sincerely struggling, and may be experiencing homelessness.

Catie's Closet works to meet children's basic clothing and hygiene needs to boost self esteem and improve school attendance and graduation rates. Its dedicated staff members, led by Kodia Baye‑Cigna '14, program director, believe access to clothing and toiletries will always be essential. This year, the organization is working to help kids attending school in-person and kids learning from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.