Member Blog: More Than Clothing – How Siouxland Foster Closet Helps Children Feel Seen

Imagine this: A preteen boy has recently been removed from his home. He, along with his new foster family, enters Siouxland Foster Closet. He stocks up on some clothing and necessities, then spots a camouflage kids robe that makes his eyes light up.

He tries it on for size to make sure it fits and keeps it on for the rest of the visit.

Soon he tops that robe off with an army backpack, sticks his very own full-size shampoo/conditioner in the side pocket, and his day is made, his 'going into the military' aspirations fired up.

Until he thought about it a bit more, then decided, and boldly informed all within earshot, that he would probably join the NFL instead of the military.

Loaded with his new things, feeling a little lighter, he and his caregiver are on their way out the door, when someone comes in asking about donating a suit (something not typically accepted as a donation) when he pipes up "I want a suit! I had one, but it doesn't fit me anymore!"

(This is going to be one well-dressed football player.)

This is a recent example of an experience at Siouxland Foster Closet (SFC), a 501c3 nonprofit organization located at 1918 Geneva Street in Sioux City, Iowa.  SFC’s mission is to show the love of Christ to children placed into the foster care system by providing clothing, necessities, and just for fun items at no cost; with the vision that every child impacted by foster care would feel seen, loved and worthy.

Siouxland Foster Closet serves families in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and the Omaha and Winnebago tribes. In 2025, Siouxland Foster Closet provided items for children 541 times. They helped an average of 45 children per month. With the help of over 20 committed volunteers serving over 1500 volunteer hours, donated items such as clothing, baby items, books, toys, toiletries, blankets and much more are inspected, sorted and organized with care, making a welcoming shopping experience for children and their caregivers.

As one foster parent, who has used this resource multiple times, puts it: “The Foster Closet doesn’t just provide items, it removes barriers, lowers stress in overwhelming moments, and makes it possible for kids to arrive in homes that are prepared and ready for them. It changes what those first days in care feel like and that impact lasts far beyond a bag of clothes.”

SFC provides a welcoming environment where children in foster care and other HHS-deterined placement can choose their own belongings in a calm and welcoming shopping experience. Younger children can play with toys while caregivers choose the items for the child, and older children can choose and try on items without worrying about the cost.

Support doesn’t end with that initial placement for these families. While new placements receive up to 10 outfits and other necessities, families can return seasonally and as children grow to receive seasonal and size updates, up to five outfits for each child. Updates are also given on baby equipment and toiletries as needed. With basic needs met, Foster parents are able to focus on the emotional and mental needs of the child in their care.

Siouxland Foster Closet runs solely on fundraising and the generosity of donors. SFC is excited to be hosting their third annual “Comedy for a Cause” fundraising event presented by Consumer Supply Distributing and Z-98 on Saturday, January 24th at Hilton Garden Inn, Sioux City. Featuring the interactive comedy of Brent Reed "The Heavyweight of Clean Comedy" this is sure to be a gut-splitting evening of laughter. The evening starts with a social hour including amazing raffle items, free appetizers and a cash bar. Tickets and more information about Siouxland Foster Closet can be found at www.siouxlandfostercloset.org or by calling 712-253-3943.  Save the date to get your tickets today!