Who We Are
Our Mission Statement:
… a faith-based volunteer-driven organization impacting lives through its non-profit thrift shop.
Hear about The Closet directly from the President of the Board of The Closet of Greater Herndon by viewing the following YouTube link: Message from The Closet Board President
The Closet is a non-profit thrift store located in Herndon, Va. We were founded in 1974 by a number of faith-based congregations; today we have 20 faith-based congregations participating.
Our core mission is to offer the shopping public good quality used clothing, household articles and other items at very affordable prices. After expenses, profits are awarded for worthy projects, including college scholarships to five area high schools that directly or indirectly benefit low-income families in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.
The Closet also provides clothing and other household effects free to families and individuals referred from several Western Fairfax County, VA. public and private human service agencies. From 2007 through 2021, these families and individuals have received over $1,258,000 in goods.
By investing our excess income over expenses in area direct service and other community needs we believe we are helping to strengthen the fabric of our Community, promoting wider practical civic involvement in serving low income and at risk individuals and families.
The Closet is committed to recognizing high school seniors who have demonstrated involvement in community service as well as academic achievement, who are continuing their education. Each year a limited number of graduating high school seniors from local area secondary schools (as of 2023 Dominion, Herndon, Mountain View, Park View, South Lakes, and Westfield High Schools) receive grants to be used for post-secondary education. From 1974 through 2023 The Closet has awarded over $775,000 in scholarships to deserving individuals at these local high schools.
From its excess resources after expenses, The Closet also makes cash grants for activities that directly or indirectly benefit low-income families in western Fairfax County (Virginia) and nearby areas. From 1974 through 2023, the Closet has awarded over $2,251,000 to local non-profits working to make the greater Fairfax/Loudoun community a better place. The Closet is also proud to have provided financial support to other worthwhile local organizations such as the Herndon High School Band for their D-Day 75th anniversary trip to Normandy in 2019, and Wreaths Across America as they honored our veterans.
Not every item donated to The Closet sells, so we deliver excess goods to communities in the Shenandoah Valley, where they are distributed free of charge to those who need a helping hand.