The Closet Of The Greater Herndon Area, Inc., is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Oct. 23, 2024, at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 750 Peachtree Street, Herndon. 

Since 1974, The Closet has awarded $779,000 in scholarships, $44,000 in 2023. As part of their celebration, organizers are looking for former Closet Scholarship recipients. They want to know “What you are doing with your career post-high school.” Please reach out via Facebook.

The Closet's upcoming celebration is its way of sharing and commemorating the half-century mark. The faith-based, volunteer-driven organization has been an integral part of the community, impacting lives through its non-profit thrift shop. 

The nonprofit thrift shop was founded in 1974 by a handful of churches to assist low-income families by selling used clothing at nominal prices, The Closet’s mission has expanded to become a significant resource for the greater Herndon area. It continues to be a source of low-cost clothing and household necessities for families and individuals on a tight budget, and also gives away clothing at no cost to truly needy individuals.  

Profits from The Closet go to grants to support local community service organizations as well as post-secondary education scholarships for students from local high schools. In 2023, in addition to $44,000 in scholarships, The Closet awarded grants of  $118,000 to local social service nonprofits. See a list at https://theclosetofgreaterherndon.org/about-the-closet/

The Closet has become a favorite with a wide range of shoppers, from those needing essential clothing items and household goods at bargain prices, to collectors and antiques buffs who check The Closet’s shelves for unusual books, plates, and collectibles at a fraction of retail prices. On shopping days, eager shoppers often begin lining up outside before the store opens.

For more details and activities to celebrate the anniversary, visit its website and Facebook page. You can also learn about their available treasures and those that others have purchased.