The Closet in Princeton distributes $205,000 to 42 nonprofit organizations for 2025

Money spent at The Closet in Princeton went back into the hands of community organizations Wednesday.

The nonprofit resale shop held its annual distribution, giving out $205,000 to 42 organizations through its Lending A Hand program.

Organizations receiving funds were American Legion Auxiliary 125, American Legion Post 125, A Night to Remember, Another Child Foundation, Arukah Institute of Healing, Barker Farm Outreach, Braveheart Children’s Advocacy Center, Bureau County Christmas for Kids, Bureau County Food Pantry, Bureau County History Center, Bureau County Senior Citizens Association, Bureau Valley Buddy Bags, Club VIP, Cornerstone Community Wellness, Flags of Freedom, Freedom House, Gateway Services, Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Happy Hands Preschool, Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, Kids' Klubs, Learning Stages/Princeton Theater Group, Magi Baby Chest, MomCo of Bureau County, North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, Our Table, Prairie Arts Council, Princeton Buddy Bags, Princeton Christian Academy, Princeton Club 56, Princeton Community Band, Princeton Ministerial Association, Princeton Park District Foundation, Royal Family Kids Camp-Bureau County, Second Story Teen Center, Shakespeare in the Park/Princeton Theater Group, Shadows of the Blue and Gray, Sheffield Historical Society and Museum, University of Illinois Bureau County Extension Service, Western Bureau County Food Pantry, Wyanet Historical Society and Wyanet United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

“We have a number of volunteers here everyday that help us get to this point,” said Joanne Kloepping, president of The Closet.

Kloepping introduced new store manager Amy Murphy of Tiskilwa, who started in November.

“It’s such a privilege to be working here,” Murphy said. “It’s such an incredible organization. ... When you see the operation, the back of the house, and the volunteers. everything it takes to bring the merchandise to the floor and the whole life cycle of The Closet, it’s truly impressive.”

The Closet has served Princeton for more than five decades. The resale shop, now located at 2026 N. Main St., began when teachers traced the feet of migrant children to find their correct shoe and boot sizes.

Church Women United collected shoes for the children, which eventually led to the creation of the Princeton Closet. Now it has everything from clothing and furniture to home items and toys, dishes, books and DVDs, among other items. The thrift store aimed to provide reasonably priced clothing and other items for families too proud to accept charity.

The Closet gives much of its profit back to the community through grants as displayed Wednesday night.

For information on The Closet, visit princetoncloset.com or its Facebook page.

“Tell your friends about us,” Murphy said. “The more donations we receive, the more we can give out.”

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Representatives from dozens of community programs pose for a photo Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, during the Lending a Hand fund distribution at The Closet in Princeton. The nonprofit resale shop held its annual distribution, giving out $205,000 to 42 organizations. (Scott Anderson)