Care Closet @ NKU

The Care Closet @ NKU offers free clothing to assist NKU students in finding appropriate interview wear and everyday needs. Visit our new location University Center 142.  

At the Care Closet, we believe that everyone deserves access to fashionable clothing, no matter their shape or size. Our selection of new and gently used items is hand-picked for college students who demand style without sacrificing individuality. Visit us for a shopping experience that's free of judgement and full of excitement.

Students can come to the Care Closet @ NKU for walk-in appointments during the open hours of operation or schedule an appointment with the Coordinator to visit the space outside of operating hours between 8:15am-4:30pm M-F.

Students must have their All Card to shop with us.

Donate to the Care Closet Fund

In partnership with LGBTQA+ Student Initiatives, the CARE Closet at NKU is providing free chest binders to students. Learn more here.

How much should I take? 

Take as much as you need, seriously!  If you need a guide, we like to give people 1-2 pairs of shoes, a jacket or coat and roughly 10-20 items of clothing. Enough to fill 1-2 shopping bags. 

Can I take items for other people?  

Yes! We just ask that you let us know so we can better understand who we are helping in the community. 

How often can I shop?  

We recommend twice a year, once for warm weather and once for cold. If you need something specific in the mean time, please come by!

Do you have kids’ clothes? 

We do! We have all kinds of clothes for babies and children of all ages at our home base in Newport. Just complete our online form and we will pull a bag together and arrange to get it to you. Email Amy Kees to request your items and ask to pick up these items at the Care Closet @ NKU.

Can I donate clothing I no longer need?  

We do not generally accept clothing donations; however, if you believe that you have a few* items that will benefit our college students, are on-trend, and are clean, in good condition and free of tears or holes, you can email carecloset@nku.edu with a list of donation items. A drop-off time must be coordinated with the Care Closet. If you have a larger donation that could benefit the community and/or includes children and teen clothing, we highly encourage you to connect with Amy Kees at the Newport Care Closet.

From August 2020 until July 2023, the Care Closet @ NKU was a focus area of the larger governing body, the Institute for Health Innovation. The space was renovated through donations from California Closets and supported by the CARE Closet, a non-profit organization in Newport that supports students across our region in accessing clothing. In July 2023, the Care Closet @ NKU joined the University Connect and Persist (UCAP) team, under the direction of UCAP Director, Peg Adams.    

Have comments or questions? Are you a graduate or law student needing an appointment? Email us at carecloset@nku.edu

Can’t find what you’re looking for on campus? Contact Amy Kees at the Newport CARE Closet about specialty items at Amycareclosetnky@gmail.com