Cleone's Closet changes location

Cleone's Closet Thrift Store in Airway Heights is temporarily closing its doors as it moves to its new location at 1615 S. Lyons Road, right behind Stimson's Contracting.

Cleone's Closet is a part of the Women's Healing and Empowerment Network, a non-profit organization providing counseling, healing centers and other services for individuals and families affected by abuse. The store sells gently used clothing for adults and children, and other household items, as well.

Mabel Dunbar, president and CEO for the Women's Healing and Empowerment Network, said Cleone's Closet started out as a means to raise funds for the organization. Proceeds from the store go toward providing transportation and personal care items for clients who live in the organization's healing centers. There is also food distribution, Monday through Friday, from noon - 3 p.m.

Dunbar said the community support has been great since the store opened at 13514 W. Sunset Highway in January 2013.

In addition to raising money for the organization, Cleone's Closet also gives clients a chance to develop work skills and employment history. There are two employees, as well as 20 part-time and full-time volunteers who work at the store.

Dunbar explained the decision to relocate came from a combination of wanting to save money on rent and needing a bigger space for the store.

"The money we save can be put back into the organization and there will be more room to put merchandise outside," Dunbar said. "We would also like to put on some events for the community."

Dunbar said the thrift store hopes to sell higher quality merchandise to customers.

"After a year we know what people need and we're focusing on that, rather than just selling stuff that people don't want," Dunbar said.

While Cleone's Closet will reopen Sept. 2, Dunbar hopes to have an official grand opening in October for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"We want to celebrate how far we've come and where we're going," Dunbar said. "We're hoping to coordinate that with the city."

Dunbar also hopes to open a healing center in Airway Heights in the future.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].