If you’re a person or family in need of clothing and shoes, Sharia’s Closet has “your bag.”
Since 2013, Sharia’s Closet has been serving people in San Diego with emergency clothing and shoes. Since then, the non-for-profit organization has assisted more than 5,000 disadvantaged people and families from its small store front in El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego. Sharia’s Closet has assisted people who’ve been impacted by:
- Natural disasters
- Mental illness
- Human trafficking
- Unemployment
The nonprofit also serves disabled and older people, refugees, homeless individuals and pregnant teens, among others.
“Sharia’s Closet was created to provide free, gently-used emergency clothing to individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship or crisis,” said Shamine Linton, founder and chief executive officer of Sharia’s Closet. “We customize our care bags for each individual based on their preferences and needs, with hand-selected outfits and household essentials.”
For almost six years, Sharia’s Closet has been collecting and distributing clothing, shoes and basic personal items to people in need.
“Our clients tell us that our services have helped them find jobs, send their children to school with clean and well-fitting clothes and have helped them to maintain a sense of dignity during times of insecurity,” said Linton, who came up with the idea for the non-profit in her native Jamaica at the age of 15. The organization is named after Linton’s daughter, Sharia.
The donated clothing, shoes and other items are sorted by dedicated volunteers who also prepare customized bags for each client based on their preferences and needs, with hand-selected outfits. Once the bags are ready, one of Sharia’s Closet volunteers contacts the referring organization within 24 to 48 hours to schedule an appointment for pick up.
Sharia’s Closet helps clients from about 50 community agencies and organizations. In 2013, the organization helped 19 families and individuals. By 2021, the figures have jumped to 5,159.
“Our network is rapidly expanding, and our incoming referrals are increasing every month,” Linton said. “We are fortunate to have a strong and growing network of quality clothing donations to help meet this demand, but we could always use more.”
For more information about Sharia’s Closet, please call 619-808-4979 or email info@shariascloset.org.