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:
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.
Volunteer to be part of the 2025 Toy Holiday crew: Toy Team
To relieve the burdens, which accompany the joys, of parenting
Youth Closet was founded in July 2020 as a crisis response program of United Way of Eagle River Valley, made possible through the generous donation of space from Vail Health. In those early days, everything was completely free — a lifeline for local families during uncertain times.
Just two and a half years later, thanks to incredible community support, we proudly transitioned away from United Way and into our current thrift and family support center model. We are our own local nonprofit called, "Youth Closet & Toy Chest". This shift allows us to serve even more families while continuing to provide essential resources at little or no cost.
From our humble, bare-bones beginnings to the vibrant community hub we are today, our supporters have loved watching us grow — and we couldn’t have done it without you!
Organization name
Youth Closet & Toy Chest, Inc.
2023
Tax id (EIN)
92-3305158
Category
Human Services, Youth Development, Mental Health & Crisis Intervention
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
40800 US HIGHWAY 6 9Eagle County, CO, US