Charities
Who owns The Closet?
No one owns The Closet. The Closet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1974 by a handful of churches to assist low-income families by selling used clothing at nominal prices. The Closet’s operations are still overseen by its Faith Based Member Congregations.
To which organization are you affiliated?
The Closet is a “stand alone” charity. We are not affiliated or controlled by any other organization. We are completely self-sufficient.
Whom does The Closet financially support?
The Closet supports multiple non-profit organizations. In 2020 The Closet gave away more than $51,000 of clothing and necessities at no cost to persons referred by an authorized social service agency or one of our member congregations. Additionally, since 2007 The Closet has donated over $553,000 to local charities as well as providing over $253,000 in college scholarships to local students.
How does a non-profit organization request a grant from The Closet?
Each quarter The Closet distributes surplus revenues to worthy charities in Northern Virginia (Fairfax and Loudoun Counties). For information on how a non-profit organization requests a grant from The Closet please see the grant application guidelines at The Closet Gives Back to the Community.
How do I apply for a college scholarship from The Closet?
The Closet funds post-secondary school scholarships. However, the selection process for recipients is managed by the individual high schools (list including South Lakes). Inquire about the application process through the high school.
Merchandise Donations
When are donations accepted?
Donations are accepted Monday – Wednesday & Friday – Saturday, 8:00AM-12:00PM. Donations are not accepted on Thursdays to allow time for the staff to fully process the donations received up to that point in the week and to prepare for the large number of donations normally received on Fridays and Saturdays.
Do you offer estate or large item pick-up services?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to provide pick-up services for donated items.
Do you offer a tax receipt for my donations?
Your merchandise donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law.
How do I value my donations?
According to the IRS, we are not allowed to value what you have donated. The IRS says donated clothing and other household goods must be “in good used condition or better.” If you claim a deduction of $500 or more for a used item that’s not in good condition, the IRS says you’d better get an appraisal. There are computer software programs available to help you figure the tax value of your donated stuff. We found the this Tax Valuation Form on the internet which may be of assistance to you.
How should I prepare my donations?
We ask that you place clothing, bed linens, and table linens in large plastic bags. Please place your other donations in boxes. This enables your donated items to stay clean, dry, and secure until we finish processing them. Please wrap/secure all cords to lamps and small appliances.
Do you accept cash donations?
The Closet can always put cash donations to good use.
Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 42, Herndon, VA 20172.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Shopping
Where are you located and what are your hours?
We are located at 845 Station Street, Herndon, VA 20170
We are open for shopping Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. plus Monday and Thursday 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Can I take public transportation to The Closet?
Several Fairfax Connector buses run close to The Closet. To plan your specific trip, you can go to the Metro trip planner at http://www.wmata.com
When is your voucher desk open?
Our voucher desk is open Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Voucher recipients must arrive at the store and check in at the voucher desk before shopping, and they must return to the voucher desk to check out prior to 2:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday) and 4:00 p.m. (Friday – Saturday).
How do you determine your prices?
Our items are priced according to quality, size, and condition.
Do you barter?
No. The prices of our items are fixed and non-negotiable. If an item does not sell, we take it off the floor and donate it to another community in need.