CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Great ideas for helping people in need can come from just about anywhere, and the beginnings of Bella’s Closet came about when a couple of friends, Cynthia Pitts and Carolyn Watson were out for a walk in 2019.
Pitts, co-founder of Bella’s Closet, said the vision for Bella’s Closet actually came from Watson, and the more the two spoke about the idea of free clothing for women in the work force and women seeking employment, the idea began to grow and take shape.
The first donations of clothing to Bella’s came from members of their board of directors and volunteers who gave some of their own clothing.
“When we started off, we were really trying to focus on business attire only. What we found out was for some women business attire is different than others. We offer free blouses, tops, pants, dresses, suits, shoes, jewelry, and hats; we have it all,” Pitts said.
Pitts said the best thing to her was that when women bring in their donations of clothes, they say they want to be able to give back to someone who can use their clothing for their success, whether it’s business, working, schooling, or whatever they are doing.
How it works
Bella’s Closet is looking for donations of new or gently used women’s clothing. When it comes to used clothes from Bella’s, Pitts said they would not want anyone to get an item of clothing that they wouldn’t wear, and they want to make sure the clothes are in good condition.
When it comes accessories, Pitts said they like for a woman to pick out a piece of jewelry, a purse, or scarf, that goes with the clothing they choose. Pitts added that Bella’s will also accept donations of undergarments for women, but of course they have to be new items.
“I want people to know that Bella’s Closet is a place for a woman to come and just know that we are there to serve her. No matter what stage of life she’s in, we want to help her to be successful. We don’t want any woman to go into a place to work and look around at her co-workers and think, I wish I could buy clothes like that,” Pitts said.
How to get help, give help
To make monetary donations, visit the Bella’s Closet Facebook page where you’ll find a QR code to donate. Donations of clothing and accessories can be dropped off at the main location of Bella’s Closet in the Carriage House behind Smith Trahern Mansion at 101 McClure St.
To make an appointment or to stop by Bella’s Closet at the Smith Trahern Mansion Carriage House, you can instant message on Facebook, or call Pitts at 931-624-6716, or Faye Forsythe at 931-206-1587.
The latest, and second location for Bella’s Closet is now open. It is inside Clarksville.com Realty, at 151 W. Dunbar Cave Road, and they are open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is an ongoing Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.