The Commonpoint Closet, an annual free clothing pop-up event in Bayside, superseded expectations this year by distributing over 4,000 items to those in need.
The event on Sunday, Sept. 22, inside the former Express in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, saw a 70% increase in participation from last year. Organizers said it was the most successful event since the initiative kicked off in 2021.
Dozens of volunteers spent weeks converting the vacant clothing store into a pop-up closet filled with donated clothing, such as professional attire and winter coats. Household necessities were also up for grabs.
On the day of the event, volunteers with Commonpoint facilitated a dignified shopping experience for over 1,200 families who walked through the doors.
“It’s so cool to see clothes that I’ve donated or even clothes that I’ve pre-sorted fly off the shelves and be taken by someone who needs them. It is such a rewarding experience,” said one of the volunteers, Troy.
Cord Meyer Development Company, which operates the Bay Terrace Shopping Center and other retail spaces across Queens, allowed Commonpoint to utilize the vacant store for the initiative. The local Starbucks also donated coffee, and Rosa’s Pizza donated food to volunteers.
“This space was perfect. It’s a real store, making our setup for the Commonpoint Closet a smoother process. Cord Meyer provided everything we needed [and always did] to make this a meaningful event for our clients,” said Kathy Martinovich, Volunteer Services Coordinator at Commonpoint. “We are so very grateful.”
Commonpoint, a Queens-based non-profit, offers a range of programs and social services to New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds, from infant care to job training to youth sports. They have several program locations across the borough and even more program sites in partnership with schools, farms and senior centers.
Donations of clothing and housewares can be dropped off at any Commonpoint location continuously. The organization’s leaders expressed that the need for these essential items is greater than ever.
“We are seeing growing populations of migrants and asylum seekers arriving in New York City with only two suitcases, single parents trying to make ends meet and job seekers needing professional clothing for job interviews,” said Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint.
“The Commonpoint Closet is needed now more than ever to combat a silent but serious crisis in our community of lack of essentials and a support system to bring people from crisis to stability to empowered living.”
