WAUSEON, Ohio — Sometimes purging your closet can feel fulfilling.
But what if you knew your clothes were going to someone who could really need them? That's what Hailey Coulter, an eighth-grade student in Wauseon, is trying today.
The Coulter family was inspired to give back after they experienced living with a low income about 10 years ago. Hailey's Clothing Closet is their way of paying it forward to those who need it the most.
Hailey started the clothing closet to help a friend in need at school. Now, they donate the clothes to all sorts of families and local organizations.
"My best friend needed some help and I thought I would just help out families in need," she said.
In this week alone, Hailey says the organization has donated clothes to at least nine families.
"Being a low-income family has been really tough for our family, and for them to reach out and let us know that there was free clothing for my kids, for them for back to school, has been a huge savior," said a parent of a family in Delta that benefited from the clothing closet.
Hailey's mother, Paulette, says they have also received donations from more than 50 families across Fulton County to help in their mission.
"I'm overjoyed and amazed at what she wants to do for the community. It's a blessing," Paulette said of her daughter.
One of those organizations the closet is benefitting is the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter in Bryan, Ohio. It received more than three boxes of clothing, said Director Pheba Banerjee-Sam.
"It just makes such a huge difference to have clothes when you don't have anything," Banerjee-Sam said. "They have been a huge blessing."
Both Hailey and her mom say it warms their hearts to give back.
"She's been a blessing. It makes me want to cry, overjoyed and happy," Paulette said of her daughter.
Hailey added that making other people's days makes her happy.
"It made me feel happy, excited that I'm making people feel good about themselves," she said.