Helping Hands Closet

A Dignity Collective of Love First Christian Center

More Than a Closet —A Community Boutique

Helping Hands Closet is a dignity-centered community boutique created to serve individuals and families with compassion, care, and respect — moving neighbors from the feeling of charity to the experience of community.

"I needed clothes and you clothed me." — Matthew 25:36

Tue 9:30–12:30 · Sat 8:30–11:30

Opening January 2, 2027 · 112 days to go

Gently used clothing gathered with care, ready to be given
Free of ChargeNo cost, ever
Dignified
Welcoming
Boutique
Community
Love in Action
Dignified
Welcoming
Boutique
Community
Love in Action
Dignified
Welcoming
Boutique
Community
Love in Action
Dignified
Welcoming
Boutique
Community
Love in Action
01 / About

What Is Helping Hands Closet?

A ministry of practical support — and so much more than the items on our racks.

We believe that when people are facing difficult seasons, they should still be treated as honored guests — not projects. Helping Hands Closet is designed to provide:

Clothing & accessoriesShoesHygiene essentialsNew socks & undergarmentsSelect family essentials

But Helping Hands is about more than items. It is about creating a welcoming and respectful experience where each guest feels seen, valued, and treated with dignity.

Free of Charge — No Cost Ever

All guest services and items provided through Helping Hands Closet are completely free. Guests never pay for clothing, shoes, or hygiene essentials.

What Is a Dignity Collective?

"A Dignity Collective is a community of people who have chosen to put dignity first — volunteers, partners, and neighbors working together so that every person who walks through our doors is honored, never handled. It is a shared commitment to see people, value people, and serve people with the same care we would offer a guest in our own home."

Not a program — a posture

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."Galatians 6:2

The Beginning · Riverview, FL

Where It All Begins

This is the space today — a little worn, and full of potential. With love, care, and many helping hands, it will be transformed into a community boutique where every guest is honored.

Opening January 2, 2027

The future home of Helping Hands Closet — main room before transformation
Before · The building — 12903 Gordon Road
Before — The kitchen
The kitchen
Before — The entrance
The entrance
Before — The guest restroom
The guest restroom
Before — The future fitting room
The future fitting room
Before — Storage, ready to stock
Storage, ready to stock
Before — The front door
The front door

…and this is only the before.

02 / Dignity Advocate

What Is a Dignity Advocate?

Someone who helps create the guest experience at Helping Hands Closet.

Dignity Advocates help ensure that every person who comes through Helping Hands is welcomed warmly, treated respectfully, and served with compassion. This role is not just about giving out items — it is about protecting dignity, showing hospitality, and helping people feel safe, honored, and cared for.

A Dignity Advocate may help with

  • 01Greeting guests
  • 02Helping maintain a welcoming environment
  • 03Assisting guests as they shop
  • 04Offering practical support with kindness and care
  • 05Helping preserve the boutique atmosphere and overall guest experience

"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."Colossians 3:12

Please note: expressing interest is not automatic approval. All prospective Dignity Advocates are screened prior to serving.

03 / Values

Our Values

The heart behind everything we do.

Dignified

Every person is valued and respected.

Welcoming

We are committed to a safe, caring, and compassionate environment.

Boutique

We want every guest to experience a respectful, uplifting shopping environment.

Love in Action

We meet real needs in practical ways.

04 / Ways to Serve

Ways to Serve

We are currently looking for individuals who may be interested in serving in the following areas.

Millie Brown

Millie BrownMinistry Director — Helping Hands Closet

Select an area to express interest — no commitment required

05 / Donation Requirements

Donation Requirements

Every donated item becomes part of a guest's boutique experience — so condition matters.

We gladly accept

  • Clean, gently used clothing in excellent condition — freshly washed before handoff
  • New or like-new shoes
  • New socks
  • New undergarments only
  • New, unopened hygiene products — full size preferred, travel size welcome
  • New, unopened baby care items (diapers, wipes, baby hygiene)
  • New, unopened feminine care items
  • Select accessories and practical essentials
  • Approved operational supplies

We cannot accept

  • Stained, torn, or heavily worn clothing
  • Used undergarments
  • Opened or expired hygiene items
  • Broken, unsafe, or unusable items
  • Items with strong odors
  • Donations in poor condition

Hygiene donations should be: new · unopened · unexpired · clean and safe for immediate use. Full size is preferred — travel size is gladly accepted. We also welcome new, unopened baby care and feminine care items.

Everyday essentials our guests love

Shampoo, soap, and a towel — everyday essentials
Everyday toothbrushes
Dove nourishing body cream
Sanitizer and everyday hygiene essentials
06 / Current Needs

Help Stock the Boutique

Support Helping Hands Closet by shopping our current wishlists — your support helps us provide needed items with dignity, compassion, and care.

Wishlist 01

Hygiene & Personal Care

New, unopened hygiene essentials for our guests — full size preferred, travel size welcome. Baby & feminine care too.

Scan to shop

Shop This Wishlist
Wishlist 02

Undergarments & Socks

Brand-new socks and undergarments — new only, always.

Scan to shop

Shop This Wishlist
Wishlist 03

Operational Supplies

Approved supplies that keep the boutique clean, functional, and inviting.

Scan to shop

Shop This Wishlist

Share Helping Hands ClosetScan to open this page — what Helping Hands is, what a Dignity Advocate is, donation requirements, hours, location, and wishlist links.

07 / Visit

Guest Hours & Location

Walk in during guest hours — you will be welcomed as an honored guest.

Guest Hours

  • Tuesdays9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Saturdays8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Donation Drop-Off

  • Mondays10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Fridays2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location

12903 Gordon Road
Riverview, FL 33579

Get Directions
08 / Interested in Serving?

Interested in Serving?

If you are interested in learning more about serving with Helping Hands Closet, we would love to connect with you.

Serving begins with learning the vision, understanding the heart behind the work, and finding the best fit for your gifts and interests.

"We meet real needs in practical ways."

Love in Action

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."1 Peter 4:10

Prefer email? Send us a message — we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us / Express Interest

Tell us a little about yourself and where you might like to serve.

Learning more does not obligate you to serve.

09 / FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you visit, give, or serve.