Youth Closet & Toy Chest, Inc.

Youth Closet & Toy Chest (The Center) is as a core resource center where service providers, case managers, and families access infant supplies and equipment, developmentally appropriate toys, maternity, baby & youth clothing (including critical winter outerwear) as well as free diapers, books, and school supplies. 

Our mission is, “to relieve the burdens, which accompany the joys, of parenting” and we primarily serve low-income families in Eagle County, Colorado. Essentially, our top goal is to improve maternal, infant and child well-being and mental health by providing emergency then ongoing assistance with basic needs despite their situation or barriers to accessing care. (Because if parents/caregivers’ basic needs aren’t met then they aren’t able to properly care for the children).  The high cost of living, combined with the high costs of having children, make it impossible for some families to have access to goods, supplies and opportunities that come easier to those of more affluence.  Because of our program, these populations are more likely to receive access to care, experience reduced disparities because of eliminated barriers and experience a decrease in physical and mental health inequities.

Best of all, we partner with other service providers who visit families in their homes (like FamilyConnects and Early Childhood Partners) so our Center actually compliments and extends the impact of those and many other local existing programs while overcoming most barriers including possible pre-existing fears of government, law enforcement, and institutions. 

Most of the goods we provide are gently used (donated) and available for free or for an average maximum 10% of the normal cost. For example, families receive diapers for free, a crib & mattress set for $6.00, and winter boots for their child for $1.  In addition, community members receive: 

• Bilingual car seat inspections- The Center is an official fit station with certified bilingual technicians (See CarSeatsColorado.com)
• Lactation support-We participate in the Eagle County Lactation Collaborative led by Eagle County Healthy Families. Our Certified Lactation Counselor provides lactation support, resources, referrals and emergency supplies.
• Coat drive distribution site (in collaboration with Catholic Charities, Mountain Rec and other local businesses)
• Host site and community connector site for programs to offer services to our targeted population (immigration assistance, school enrollment, etc.)
• Imagination Library-We are Eagle River Valley’s only host agency in partnership with Vail Public Library. This program delivers a brand-new book to children, newborn to their 5th birthday, in the mail at no charge to the family. 

Youth Closet & Toy Chest receives 70% of our revenue through sales to help sustain our ability to provide our services to the community; however, it is still necessary for us to receive support of grants and cash contributions to subsidize the standard market-rate expenses of program staff, rent and supplies. In summary, your support will help us provide critical resources and goods to people who may otherwise be unable to access them.