Northwest Arkansas Community College had its soft opening for the “Life Transition Closet” at the Benton County campus last fall. The closet provides students, faculty, and staff with an array of donated clothing that one can take and use for their own purposes. “Change is part of every journey – new jobs, new goals, new beginnings. The Life Transitions Closet is now open to help students, faculty and staff access clothing that fits who they are and who they are becoming,” was the slogan for the announcement of the closet opening in the college’s public announcements.
Paige Titsworth, NWACC student and contributor for the Life Transition closet, shared how they hope the closet lets people on campus know that help is available. “No one should have to struggle for clothes, may it be for an interview, change of life, a new season, or just every day,” Titsworth said. The idea was a long process in the making, Titsworth mentioned how the process was challenging yet rewarding to have the closet be a part of the college. “The process was challenging but rewarding. It took a while for the closet to become a real thing on campus and not just an idea, to which I’m incredibly grateful I was able to experience its opening,” said Titsworth.
Yet, not many people on campus are fully aware of this new addition. Emily Safcsak, NWACC student and contributor for the Life Transition closet, said, “Public outreach has been a little difficult. Not many people know that this resource is available, and how to get access to it.” Titsworth mentioned that they’re working on growing public outreach and it has improved more recently than it was at the opening. The closet has multiple donation boxes that can be located around campus. Students, faculty, and staff can donate new or gently used clothing at the donation boxes. The closet’s official location can be found on the third floor of the student center in room 318, you can find a QR code outside the campus that directs you to a survey that one can fill out. The survey asks, “what items you picked up,” “what size are you looking for,” “how many items did you take today,” etc.
“We actually have more clothes than room and are working towards a place to store them. I’m very thankful for everyone who has donated to the closet! We’re also working towards better hours and availability for the closet. Volunteers are always welcome,” shared Titsworth.
