The San Diego Family Justice Center has highlighted Sharia’s Closet in their Community Partner Spotlight. They wrote:

Shamine Linton grew up seeing need in her native country of birth, Jamaica. Some children couldn’t go to school because of lack of appropriate clothes. On summer trips back there, she would take articles of clothing that she had gathered all year long. These acts of kindness and the gratitude of the recipients were “fulfilling, overwhelming, joyous.”

Shamine and her family started the non-profit Sharia’s Closet. It is named after their eleven-year-old daughter, Sharia.

Sharia’s Closet provides clothing for all populations in need, including victims of natural disasters, human trafficking, and domestic violence as well as for refugees, unemployed, injured, disabled, and homeless. Sharia at her young age is committed to carrying on her mother’s work because, as she says, “a lot of people are in need and don’t have enough money for clothing and prices go up every day.”  

Shamine and her husband have been married for twenty years and their family includes, besides Sharia, their 19-year-old son, Shamari, who is serving in the Air Force. Shamine says “I believe that community means taking care of each other with good intentions regardless of background or circumstances. Together we can make this world a better place one action at a time, one day at a time, and one bag at a time.”

Every bag of clothing includes an inspirational note. Shamine says, “We are not just giving clothes. We are giving hope, love, encouragement, kindness, and dignity.”

Clothing often comes from drives at school preceding students’ arrival to perform hours of community service. Some are so inspired that they continue after their service has been fulfilled. Sharia’s Closet is styled as a boutique, with rooms for various needs (children, professional, etc.)

Sharia’s Closet is now a Community Partner with the Family Justice Center. Although the FJC maintains a large supply of professional clothing for women, Sharia’s Closet has filled a great need to provide children and casual clothing for families.  

One person can make a huge difference in the lives of many people. Shamine is a powerful example of that.

COVID-19 Update: FJC volunteers are assisting Sharia’s Closet during the COVID-19 healthy emergency. Thank you to Shamine and our FJC volunteers for providing much-needed resources during this time!