By: Zjeyoni Moore
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) —The University of Arkansas’ Multicultural Center is making an impact on campus by providing free clothing and personal care items to students in need.
The MC Open Closet, located on the fourth floor of the Arkansas Union, is an accessible and welcoming space where students and community members can find essential clothing items without any cost.
Anthony DiAngelo, coordinator of cultural communities at the Multicultural Center, emphasized the importance of the Open Closet in supporting students who may be facing financial difficulties.
“We know that unfortunately, there’s about a third of our campus community that is affected by food insecurity,” DiAngelo said. “So, the thinking is, if folks are wondering where their next meal is coming from, they are probably also wondering, ‘Hey, my jeans are getting worn down.’”
DiAngelo expresses how that is what the space was made for.
The Open Closet is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and operates completely donation based.
A small rack outside the center gives passersby a glimpse of available items, while the main storage area contains a broader selection, including jackets, jeans, athletic wear, undergarments, and button-down shirts. Additionally, students can access toiletries and menstrual care products.
The MC Open Closet aims to provide clothing that aligns with the current season. DiAngelo shared that the closet is currently stocked with winter clothing, the weather warms up, they will switch to more seasonally appropriate clothes.
Because the closet is entirely donation-based, the inventory fluctuates depending on contributions. Donations can be dropped off during operating hours, and students are encouraged to give back if they are able.
Anyone looking to contribute can place their items in the donation area outside of the closet or check in with a staff member.
“We just ask that it’s a one-bag limit,” DiAngelo explained. “So, it doesn’t mean a student can’t come back three days in a row and get clothes. But it’s, you know, a trust system. The other thing I only ever ask is if they have the opportunity later to donate back to the closet, that they do that.”
The programs is rooted in the belief that no student should feel limited in their academic or personal success due to financial constraints.
“I don’t ever want a student to wonder, ‘Can I be successful as a student wearing the clothes that I have?’ I don’t ever want those sorts of things to be an impediment to their success,” Dean said. “I can’t provide free housing. I can’t provide free food to everybody. But what I can do is make sure that we are creating space as a community to share what we do have.”
DiAngelo encourages students to take advantage of the Open Closet and to consider donating if they have gently used items they no longer need.
Through the MC Open Closet, the University of Arkansas is fostering a community of care and support, ensuring that students have access to the clothing and essentials they need to feel confident and succeed academically.