The Sharing Shelf Inc

Overview

The Sharing Shelf Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing clothing insecurity and meeting the basic material needs of low-income children and teens in Westchester County, New York. Founded in 2009 by Deborah Blatt, the organization aims to provide essential items such as clothing, toiletries, period products, diapers, and school supplies to economically vulnerable families.

Mission

The Sharing Shelf's mission is rooted in the belief that every child and teen deserves access to the basic necessities needed for a dignified and self-assured life. The organization serves as a one-stop resource for schools, hospitals, and non-profits across Westchester County, fostering community involvement in addressing the material needs of under-resourced individuals.

Programs

• Clothing Bank: The organization operates a 4,100 square foot warehouse where donations of used and new clothing are sorted and distributed. It creates "Wardrobe Packs," which include a week's worth of seasonally appropriate clothing, along with essential hygiene items like toiletries and period products.

• Teen Boutique: A unique initiative offering a free store experience for teens facing clothing insecurity. The program allows teens to select their own clothing in a respectful and dignified environment, enhancing their confidence and self-esteem.

• Backpacks to School: Provides backpacks filled with school supplies to children in need, ensuring they start the school year prepared.

• Period Products and Hygiene Kits: Addresses period poverty by distributing period products and hygiene kits to low-income teens and supporting local food pantries with these essentials.

Operations

The Sharing Shelf also offers a home pick-up service for clothing donations in select neighborhoods, making it the only nonprofit in the area with such a service. This initiative helps streamline the donation process and ensures that all donated items are reused effectively.

Impact

Since its inception, The Sharing Shelf has grown from a small operation to an organization serving over 100 nonprofits and schools county-wide, engaging hundreds of volunteers annually. It has been recognized as the Best Local Charity by Westchester Magazine and has received grants like the Impact100 Transformational Project Grant to further expand its initiatives.

Financials

Donations form the core of The Sharing Shelf's revenue, with contributions making up 100% of its total revenue. The organization maintains a transparent financial structure with publicly available Form 990 filings. Key executives, such as President Deborah Blatt, receive compensation, while most directors and officers serve without pay.