MOORESVILLE, N.C. — A Mooresville nonprofit is expanding its warehouse and its ability to provide basic essentials to families in need, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Lowe’s.
“Years ago, I heard about two brothers sharing a toothbrush here in Mooresville. And I just found that completely unacceptable that that is happening here,” said Anne Mautner, founder of The Kindness Closet.
That’s the kind of need The Kindness Closet is working to meet.
“When we are able to serve our neighbor and communities, it just makes it such a better place to live,” Board Chair Darcy Ridge said.
The Kindness Closet started in 2018 with a small cabinet in a downtown Mooresville park. Seven years later, that little closet has outgrown its walls.
“It’s hard to go to a job interview with unclean teeth or dirty clothes,” Mautner said.
Now, a $100,000 grant from Lowe’s is helping give that mission more room to grow.
“The fact that we can step outside of our store and we can be a part of our community and impact organizations that are giving back every day is the reason we do what we do,” Lowe’s Mooresville store manager James Garst said.
“We had a very small 900-square-foot warehouse. And we’re able to expand to 3,500 square feet. So it’s just a game changer for us,” Mautner said.
More space means more supplies and more neighbors getting the help they need.
“I never, when I started this, first of all, I didn’t know the need. And I say that we are growing as fast as we possibly can because the need is so great,” Mautner said.
What began as a little cabinet in a park is proof that even the smallest acts of giving can grow into something much bigger.
The Kindness Closet says the renovation will increase its ability to distribute hygiene products by nearly 30% thanks to new shelving, packing stations and a more efficient warehouse.
The project is one of six Lowe’s-funded community improvements across the Charlotte area this fall.
Click here on how to get involved.