Neighbors helping neighbors: Antioch Traveling Closet hosts free monthly giveaways where those in need can ‘shop’ for necessities

Thirteen years ago, Lisa Fisher of Antioch started the Antioch Traveling Closet to help her neighbors in need. She collected clothes from the community and stored those donations in her basement.

The only thing that has changed in all those years is the nonprofit now has its own space at the Depot Train Station, 311 W. Depot St.

“It’s hard to believe this all started in my basement with kids’ clothing, and now here we are,” Fisher said. “I wish we had a bigger space to help more people and take in more products.”

The organization holds free monthly giveaways where people in need can “shop” for clothing, shoes, winter accessories, school supplies, toiletries and hygiene products and cleaning supplies. Toiletries, diapers and baby wipes are a big hit, especially for seniors. Those items are needed the most.

Donations can be dropped off at the train depot from 4 to 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month (Nov. 4) and 9 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of the month (Nov. 14, which is the second Saturday). Fisher said to check out the Antioch Traveling Closet’s Facebook page because sometimes donation dates change. Added dates in November include 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, and 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23.

Clients can even sign up for a free haircut given by area hairstylists who donate their time.

“That’s why we do the giveaways on Sundays, because Saturdays are a busy day for the people who cut hair,” Fisher said.

The next giveaway will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22. Fisher said the event in October helped about 140 people, with 20 haircuts given.

The giveaways are only open to residents in Antioch, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Ingleside, Johnsburg, the Round Lake communities, Spring Grove and Volo. Those who attend must show a state ID to participate.

“I would love to help everyone,” Fisher said, “but it is just not feasible with the space we have.”

She said when patrons arrive, they receive a bag and a card for pre-bagged toiletries and laundry sheets, and then they can shop for what they need from the donated items.

“We rely on the kindness of the community,” Fisher said. “I don’t apply for grants because I won’t keep track of who comes through the line. If you need help, you need help.”

She does get some financial assistance from area businesses that hold fundraisers. Good Family Tattoo in Antioch holds its Toys for Tats event in December. It is a Christmas toy drive where clients donate a new, unwrapped gift or cash, valued at $25 or more, in exchange for a chance to win tattoos, piercings or gift certificates by spinning a prize wheel.

“In 8 hours they raised $15,000 for us,” Fisher said.

She then gets in touch with social workers from area school districts and asks for the neediest families to be invited to a private giveaway.

“The parents get to come and pick out whatever they want and need for their kids.”

Fisher said she wishes more area businesses would consider holding fundraisers for them to help out their neighbors in the community.

Besides donations, Fisher said that volunteers are also essential for her nonprofit. Volunteers help sort clothes and bag toiletry items, among other duties. Students from the Antioch High School National Honor Society also help, as do students from the District 117 Life Skills Academy, a program that helps transitional learners ages 18 to 22 with vocational readiness and independent living. Fisher said they come in Monday through Friday for a couple of hours to help straighten up and put clothes on hangers.

“These are things that other volunteers don’t always have time for because all of us have day jobs,” Fisher said. “It is a huge help that the students come out, and they can put that as job experience.”

But no matter how many people give their time, there is always something to do.

“We would definitely love to have more volunteers come out and help,” Fisher said. “People who have used us in the past and have come out the other side now volunteer for us, and I love that.”

Fisher said that the Antioch Traveling Closet gives away around 40% of its items, but nothing goes to waste. If clothing items can’t be used, they are donated to area homeless shelters or picked up to be recycled.

She has also given the Antioch Police Department a key just in case there is an emergency, like a house fire.

“If something happens in the middle of the night, they can just go in and take what they need,” Fisher said.

And that is the whole point of the Antioch Traveling Closet, neighbors helping neighbors in their time of need. It is exactly what Fisher envisioned all those years ago.

“Everyone needs a helping hand at one time or another,” she said. “If we can provide that help, then we should. It makes us all feel good to do something.”

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Antioch Traveling Closet giveaway

When: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Where: Depot Train Station, 311 W. Depot St., Antioch

Details: antiochtravelingcloset.org or facebook.com/antiochtc2017

Upcoming donation drop off dates

• 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4

• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14

• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

• 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23