Montana Technological University opens Casual Clothing Closet, donations welcome

Montana Technological University is encouraging the community to kick-off the New Year by cleaning out their closets and donating gently used items to the University’s new Casual Clothing Closet.

Program Manager of Outreach and Belonging Cheyenne Crooker says the inspiration for the Casual Clothing Closet came from their father, who was a first-generation student at Montana Tech in the early 1990s. The idea for the Casual Clothing Closet was fully formed, earlier this fall, at a reception for international students.

“Some of our students come with limited personal belongings because it's expensive to travel with a lot of items,” Crooker said. “Many students experience culture shock by the weather, and quickly discover they need much more than one sweater.”

In September, a handful of students let Crooker know they needed coats and jackets. Fortunately, a graduating student had heard about the possible closet opening and asked if they could donate their winter wardrobe, as they were taking a job in a warmer climate.

Crooker set up the Casual Clothing Closet in Engineering Hall Room 103. The closet’s formal hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but those in need can stop by anytime.

“If the building is open, the closet is open,” Crooker said.

Right now, the hope is to expand the styles available to students, as most of the donations so far have been of similar styles and sizes.

“Some more masculine style clothing is definitely needed,” Crooker said. “Coats, jackets, and  sweaters are the number one need. Hats, gloves, and warm socks are probably number two.”

Students also need work pants and steel-toed boots required for some trades classes and work. The Casual Clothing Closet will rotate offerings seasonally.

Crooker hopes the Casual Clothing Closet will strengthen the campus community, and improve student outcomes, as well as retention rates.

“In order for students to be successful, we need to not only offer strong academics but also other opportunities for student success,” Crooker said. “We have students who have all of their needs met, but we also have first-generation students and students who come from low socioeconomic status, who may work two jobs to put themselves through college. Whatever their story is, if their basic needs for food, shelter, and clothing are not met, they're not going to be successful college students. Offering free clothing, as well as free food in the Food Pantry, we uplift those who are experiencing hardships. When we uplift one another, we all win.”

All donations are tax deductible. For a donation receipt, reach out to Angela Grinolds at the Montana Tech Foundation at 406-496-4277.

Donations can be dropped off at Engineering Hall Room 103, the Help Desk in the Student Union Building or Cheyenne Crooker’s office in the Academic Center for Excellence in the Student Success Center (SSC 3.142).