Since 2006, Sharia’s Closet has provided free clothing to San Diegans in crisis. Back then, founder Shamine Linton set up a “closet” on her patio. The operation grew over the years with the help of benefactors and volunteers, like Karly Franz and volunteer-turned-employee Lacy Henderson. Named after Linton’s daughter, Sharia’s Closet now operates out of a former office space in Rolando Village and works with more than 60 local social services providers.
What made you want to become a volunteer at Sharia’s Closet?
LH: I did four years in jail—a lot of people probably aren’t going to say jail is amazing, but this gave me the opportunity that I needed to sit down and think about my life and make the decisions that I’ve needed to be making the whole time. When I got out of jail, I had absolutely nothing. The program that I went into is right next door to Sharia’s Closet. They made me a bag and it was so amazing. Everything fit. It was so great. So, I decided to volunteer. I volunteered for four months. Every single day. I have fun when I come to work.
KF: I first heard about Sharia’s Closet almost five years ago from someone who I know that works in social services. They informed me that this incredible organization needed volunteers who have a passion for helping the community and enjoy curating capsule wardrobes. These capsule wardrobes are now called Bags of Hope and the goal is to provide an individual with quality garments that can be interchangeably worn and styled. There is a positive relationship between feeling good about your appearance and the hopefulness that drives self-efficacy.
What do your volunteer duties entail?
KF: My volunteer journey began working in the dedicated men’s room. This is where I became known for meticulously organizing, sizing, labeling, colorizing, and checking garments for quality and modernity. It wasn’t long before I began to thoughtfully compile the capsule wardrobes and let my stylist creativity shine.
LH: I oversee the donation department and processing center, and when volunteers come in, I’ll assign them tasks to do. I go through all the donations, make sure that they’re suitable and organize everything. I give tours and I make bags for people.
Can you describe your favorite or most memorable experience while volunteering?
LH: I have a roommate who’s been volunteering for a while, too. It was pouring one day, and we saw somebody walking down the street with just a shirt on and a blanket wrapped around them. So, she went and grabbed this person. He was like, “I’ve been needing help for four days and nobody would help me.” We ended up giving him some clothes and somebody even paid for an Uber for him to get where he was going. Two days later he came back, gave her $100, and donated money to the closet.
KF: I’m always in awe of the amazing individuals and families who step up to help out. This isn’t exclusive to in-person volunteers, but to those who support the work of the organization through their donations of gently worn clothing, new hygiene supplies, diapers, and monetary support to keep the closet doors open and services free of charge.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
KF: It breaks my heart when someone only requests one thing, such as a pair of sneakers, but we don’t have any shoes in stock in their size at that moment.
LH: Keeping the volunteers in line with how you want things done and how to do things the proper way. Another challenge is we’re trying to put ourselves out there so we can get a bigger space.
Any advice for someone considering volunteering as a way to give back?
LH: It’s amazing if you have the time, just have the heart for it. When you know your heart’s in it is when you do your best. And when you do your best it, it reflects back on us.
KF: There is never a task that you cannot do, but there are some tasks that you can do exceptionally well that will be of the most benefit to the quality of service that the volunteers of Sharia’s Closet bring to the community—one bag at a time!
