Cora’s Care Closet
Cora’s Legacy
Over 20 years ago, CAC founder, Cora Visscher and former Executive Director, Darcy Fluharty visited a CAC in Texas and envied their beautiful “store.” Cora’s dream was that one day, The Ed & Nancy Hanenburg Children’s Advocacy Center would also have a “store” filled with new, free, and donated items by members of our community that would help meet the needs of the families served. In 2018 this dream became a reality and was given the name “Cora’s Care Closet."
Cora passed away in 2023, but her legacy of caring for children and families will live on through Cora's Care Closet. Children who are removed or forced from their homes because of abuse or neglect often leave with nothing. Caregivers may be struggling to meet the new and unexpected needs of a child in crisis. Cora's Care Closet provides immediate access to brand new clothing, personal care products, home cleaning supplies, household items, baby gear, school supplies and more, completely free of charge. Cora's Care Closet and the team at the Children's Advocacy Center are dedicated to helping ensure safer environments and stabilized placements for our clients and families.
Support Cora’s Care Closet
Donate Items
Give a one-time gift of items to stock the closet. We have seasonal needs such as back to school items or winter gear as well as ongoing needs like cleaning and personal hygiene products.
Our most in-demand items for Cora's Care Closet include cleaning spray, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dish and hand soap, toilet paper, paper towel, personal hygiene items, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, deodorant, and hair products. Other needed household items are brooms/mops, kitchen tools, small kitchen appliances, towels and sheets. For more details, view the full Cora’s Care Closet List.
Coordinate a Drive
Drives are a great way for groups to show support for families navigating the impact of sexual abuse by providing a way for community members to tangibly meet needs. Please note we only accept new items.
Learn More about Cora’s Care Closet
For more information or to make a donation to Cora's Care Closet, please contact Heather Pedereson at hpedersen@cac-ottawa.org.
Other Item Donations
CHILD THERAPY SUPPLIES
Journals, washable markers, acrylic paint, art canvases, paintbrushes, tempera paint, moldable clay (non-bake variety), glitter glue, slime supplies, thin and regular Sharpie markers, fidgets
DRINKS AND SNACKS FOR CLIENTS & FAMILIES
Individually wrapped snacks, juice boxes, bottled water, K-cups
AMAZON WISH LIST
Check out our Amazon Wish List for more items that support the families served by the CAC.
GIFT CARDS
Gift cards allow us to meet needs as they arise including art therapy supplies, snacks for families, and support for families to attend appointments and during trials.
Suggested Retailers: Amazon, Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, Sam’s Club, Meijer, Walmart. Gas cards and fast food gift cards are also helpful for families who need support traveling to court appointments.
Do you have an idea for a donation that is not on this list? Please contact Heather at hpedersen@cac-ottawa.org. We are grateful for the support of our community!