The mission of the Community Angels - a non-profit organization located in downtown St. Cloud - is to develop and foster meaningful relationships by providing a marketplace where families in our area can come and shop for new and gently used clothing at no cost to them. How? Through their clothing referral program, agencies and organizations such as school districts, homeless shelters, county social workers, public health nurses, and other non-profits can refer families to the store. They serve children of all ages who face clothing insecurities.
Community Angels opened its doors on September 18, 2023. “Our goal is to have 75% of the store stocked with new clothes and 25% stocked with gently used clothing. We want children to come in and feel good about shopping for new, colorful, stylish, and trendy clothing. They walk into the store knowing the unexpected but leave with a huge smile,” shared Erica Cole, Owner & Founder. Their doors are always open and they exist to serve any and every child or family that visits them.
Because they are only months old, Community Angels is still working on establishing partnerships in our area. “We applied for funding that may take place this summer through United Way of Central Minnesota, but all other funding came from me. I am a domestic violence shelter and housing advocate of twenty years at Anna Marie's Alliance. I picked up a second job to start the business at the beginning of this year. When I earned $5000 I was able to hire a part-time boutique clerk to set up the store so we could open.”
If you’re eager to see Community Angels grow and thrive, you can support them by donating new and gently used kid's clothing (infant and toddler through high school-aged), new books, new undergarments, and new two-piece pajamas. “We are also accepting gift cards to give to kids during the holiday season. I love networking with other businesses and everyone's willingness to help. It means a lot. Everyone is so encouraging and extends their well wishes all the time. Community Angels is excited about what’s to come in the future.” Keep an eye out for exciting Community Angels programs in the works, including a Spring 2024 Kid’s Book Club and a pilot program called “The Angel Project”.
“One of our biggest challenges for me is marketing, so I’m working with other nonprofits to improve marketing with low-cost techniques. I’m also working to receive some type of government funding or donations to help keep our shelves stocked and get warm winter clothing and gear for the upcoming months. The best part about our growth over the last couple of months is receiving clothing referrals and serving the families; unfortunately, there is a huge need for what we’re doing, but we’re happy to help and blessed to have this service to do so. God is amazing.”
To learn more about Community Angels or donate to their organization, you can visit their website at commuintyangelsmn.org or follow them on Facebook. You can visit the boutique at 1529 W. St. Germain, Suite 101 in St. Cloud (open 10am-6pm Monday, Tuesday, and Fridays) or call 320-774-1033.
#StCloudShines
