Hannah Center Expands Caring Closet Services to Wisconsin Rapids
Free resource center for families in need opens Jan. 12, providing essential items for infants and children
Hannah Center Inc. will open its second Caring Closet location in Wisconsin Rapids on Jan. 12, bringing vital support services to families throughout Central Wisconsin. The new resource center will offer free diapers and wipes to families in need. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Jan. 19 to commemorate the opening and celebrate the community support that made this expansion possible.
Hannah Center's Caring Closet has served families in Marshfield since its establishment in 1993, and the Wisconsin Rapids expansion responds to growing community need for accessible resources and essentials for children.
"Every child deserves warm clothing, clean diapers and the essentials that many families simply cannot afford," said Tori Spice, center director of Hannah Center, Wisconsin Rapids. "Opening the Caring Closet in Wisconsin Rapids allows us to serve more families in crisis and ensures that geography is never a barrier to accessing basic necessities."
The Wisconsin Rapids Caring Closet specializes in providing free diapers and wipes in all sizes from newborn through size 6 and up. The Marshfield location offers a broader range of items including infant formula and feeding supplies, clothing for children, winter outerwear, gently used car seats and bassinets, baby gear and toys.
Unlike traditional donation centers, the Caring Closet operates on a dignity-based model where families can access needed items without financial barriers, applications or lengthy approval processes.
The Wisconsin Rapids Caring Closet is located at 1320 Pepper Ave., Wisconsin Rapids, and will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families seeking diapers and wipes should call (715) 423-4106 during business hours to arrange pickup. Donors may drop off diaper and wipe donations during business hours without an appointment.
"The Caring Closet only exists because of our community's generosity," said Spice. "Every donated diaper and package of wipes represents someone in our community caring for their neighbors. This is Central Wisconsin taking care of Central Wisconsin."
The Jan. 19 ribbon-cutting ceremony will recognize community partners, donors, and volunteers who supported the expansion. Details about the ceremony will be announced in the coming weeks.
Since its establishment, Hannah Center has provided more than 22,000 safe nights of shelter and served more than 987 families annually through its comprehensive programs. The organization relies on community donations and operates no government-funded facilities. Financial donations may be made at hannahcenterinc.org/donate.
For more information about the Caring Closet, donation guidelines or volunteer opportunities, visit hannahcenterinc.org/caring-closet or call (715) 423-4106.
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About Hannah Center
Hannah Center Inc. is a faith-based, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1993 that provides residential treatment and support services to women and children in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids. The organization operates women’s shelters, provides community support through its Kairos Care program, and supplies families with essentials through Hannah's Caring Closet. For more information, visit hannahcenterinc.org.
