Cindy’s Closet needs clothing for men and women

Here’s a worthy project we haven’t written about previously —“Cindy’s Closet” at Miami Valley Hospital. The special closet was started in 2006 by a Miami Valley Hospital night nurse.

After noticing that some patients were unprepared for cold weather or returning to the hospital with frostbite, Cindy Feltner began stuffing her hospital locker with thermal underwear, socks, hats, gloves and scarfs. After a year of putting items in her locker and giving them away to patients, several co-workers began donating to her project.

As the effort grew, Cindy and her co-workers approached hospital leadership and requested a closet. In 2008, the first official closet opened and the idea took off. The initiative ultimately became an Emergency Department unit project with three closets scattered throughout the emergency room area. As a unit, the decision was made to name the closet after the nurse whose vision led to such a critical program. It became “Cindy’s Closet.”

Some of people receiving clothing from “Cindy’s Closet” are trauma patients who arrive with damaged clothing and need something to wear home from the hospital including victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and victims of crime. “We also have clothing for families who have been involved in a fire, and many times arrive in the ER with just a gown or night clothing,” says Feltner, who works for the hospital’s trauma clinic. “They are given full attire, including shoes to wear out of the ER until they are able to go and purchase more clothing.”

Says Cindy: “All people need acts of kindness, regardless of their economic status, place in the community, or walk of life. This is a small gesture that says we care in times of need.”

All the clothing has been donated by the community and employees. Vickie Paul now oversees the project.

Here’s what they need most:

  • Men's Jeans (Any size from 29-50 waistlines)
  • Jogging pants (Men and Women/Small to 3XL)
  • Men's Shoes (Sizes 9-14)
  • Winter coats and fleece jackets, or hoodies

“Cindy’s Closet” accepts new and gently used clean items, in good repair. Donations can be dropped off at the Miami Valley Hospital Emergency Room security desk. Please write “Cindy’s Closet” on your bag of donations. If you’d like a receipt attach your contact information.

If you have questions, contact Vicki Paul at (937) 208-7202.

Holiday Festival searching for Christmas Tree

The search is on for the perfect tree to adorn Courthouse Square during Annual Dayton Holiday Festival. The chosen tree will be decorated with more than 50,000 lights and be unveiled at the Grande Illumination ceremony on Friday, Nov. 24.

The ideal tree is approximately 45 to 60 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Colorado green spruce or blue spruce trees are preferred, but other types of evergreens will be considered if they are ” grand and stately.”

The tree must be located on the nominee’s property in the front or side yard. Miami Valley residents who believe they have the perfect tree can nominate it by calling Colleen Turner at the Downtown Dayton Partnership at (937) 224-1518, ext. 221, or email turner@downtowndayton.org.

The winning tree will be selected by a search crew at the end of October. PSC Crane and Rigging will transport the tree to Courthouse Square at no expense to the owners, who will have the opportunity to be part of the official tree-lighting ceremony.

Sewing machine available

A Kettering reader who is downsizing has called to offer a working sewing machine — with all the accessories and cabinet — to a worthy non-profit organization. If your group could use the machine, contact Trish Holz at (937) 299-0301.


ABOUT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Each week, staff writer Meredith Moss profiles a non-profit organization and its specific needs. If your group would like to share a wish list with readers, contact Meredith: MMoss@coxohio.com Please include a daytime phone number and a photo when available.

Meredith and her column were the 2017 recipients of Church Women United’s Human Rights award.

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