UPONOR

Oct. 10, 2023

Help Support Kaitlyn’s Kloset During a Time of Need 

by Alex Gross

Uponor North America Standards Manager Rick Stock, along with his wife Kristen and daughters, Ashley and Kaitlyn, have always held generosity close to their hearts.

During Kaitlyn’s teenage years, the Stock family began to purchase, store, and distribute essential items out of their home to help infants and children in need. As Kaitlyn grew older, she continued to pursue her passion of helping others and is now a licensed social worker with more than 21,500 Facebook followers that support her certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit: Kaitlyn's Kloset. The organization spends 100% of fundraising dollars on children and families in need.

“I feel it’s so important to volunteer my time because there is so much need in our community,” Rick says. “What a better way to spend my time supporting the most vulnerable and the most important people in our future.”

After several years managing the nonprofit organization out of the family home, Kaitlyn’s Kloset expanded into Saints Martha and Mary Episcopal Church in Eagan, Minn., which allowed the growing organization more storage space.

“I’ve seen the sense of community come through all along the way,” Kaitlyn commented when asked about the success of her growing business. However, recently this powerful community that helped grow Kaitlyn’s Kloset has been unable to meet the need coming through the doors.

“We previously have run about a one-to-one client-to-donor ratio,” Kaitlyn said. “Now it’s more of a five-to-one client-to-donor ratio.” While it was a difficult decision, Kaitlyn’s Kloset is temporarily closing to gather more supplies and better serve the needs of the community.

“I was having to say, ‘I’m sorry, this is what we have. This is it.’ We weren’t giving our shoppers a dignified experience. It was a difficult decision, and it did not come lightly,” she said.

Doors closed to shoppers this week, and there has been an outpouring of support for the organization. However, everyone is encouraged to donate to help Kaitlyn’s Kloset grow and serve the needs of all community members with pride and dignity.

Monetary donations are accepted on the organizations webpage: Donate here!
 

Donation drives are taking place during the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 12 to 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Refer to the list below for frequently requested items.

  • Baby food
  • Children’s clothes in great condition (no rips, tears, stains, or holes) in sizes from 5 to 20
  • Non-perishable food, including cereal, beverages, meat, beans, condiments, rice, potatoes, and snacks (both individual and full size)
  • Household and cleaning items, including paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, etc.
  • Personal-care items, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, body wash, deodorant, etc. (no razors)
  • Oral hygiene and first aid, including toothpaste, band-aids, antibiotic ointment, etc. (no isopropyl alcohol or mouthwash)
  • Diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6 (open packs are acceptable)
  • Wipes (fragrance-free)
  • Pads and tampons (open packs with individually wrapped product are acceptable)
  • Children’s winter gear in great condition, including hats, mittens, coats, snow pants, boots, etc.
  • CLEAN children’s socks and underwear
  • Baby blankets, towels, washcloths, and burp cloths in great condition (no stains)
  • Children’s shoes in great condition (no stains, holes)

Finally, Kaitlyn requests paper bags, which are always needed when families come to shop at her nonprofit.