The Closet on 54th

The Closet on 54th:

Our Story

The Closet on 54th is a clothing ministry that provides up to ten items of clothing, a pair of shoes, and two non-shoe accessories per month free to the community in need. The ministry was originally founded as God’s Closet in April 2015 at College Lutheran Church by SVLC member Leslie Atkins as a tribute to her mother who had passed away the previous year leaving a multitude of clothing.

In August 2016 we relocated to Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church on 54th to partner with The Cupboard, a food ministry already in operation at Calvary three times a week.

The Closet is open 11am-1:30pm every other Wednesday starting, and is run by volunteers from Shepherd of the Valley, and members of the community. We generally sort donations on Wednesdays when the Closet is closed.

Contact Us Connect on Facebook

How you can help

We average 1200-1500 items of clothing and accessories given to 140-160 people each month. We are partnered with the San Diego Food Bank and operate on a barcode system. Our clients are issued an ID card with a bar code and a case number, then we scan their card and the number of items they receive. They can return the same month if they did not reach the monthly limit the first time.

We are always looking for donations of gently-used clean clothing and accessories (shoes, belts, purses, hats, etc.) and more people interested in volunteering to help. We take men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, but we especially need men’s clothing and shoes.

Donations can be dropped off during The Closet’s or Cupboard’s operating hours or when the Calvary church office is open 8am-noon every day. There is also a collection box in the narthex at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church.

Open for Business

The open days for the Closet for the next two months are April 2, 16, and 30, , and May 14, and 28, 11am to 1pm, unless it rains. We will be sorting and restocking on April 9 and 23 and May7 and 21. The Cupboard for food distribution is open every Monday and Wednesday 11am to 2pm, except holidays. As always, we are still looking for volunteers to help at the Closet when we're open or on the days we sort and restock. If you are looking, or you know someone who is looking for a volunteer opportunity for a few hours a month, please consider donating your time to the Closet. We are located at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3060 54th St, San Diego. We are accepting donations, and we particularly need men's clothing and shoes for both men and women. You can either bring them to church at Shepherd of the Valley or drop them off at Calvary during operating hours. We've also started partnering with an organization called Gently Hugged that provides clothing, blankets and other necessities for the first year to infants in need in San Diego. Packages are provided through social workers and nurses to military, low income, and foster families. The Closet will be sharing donations of infant clothing up to 12 months with this group. A few days ago, I toured their facility in a space they rent at Bernardo winery and was very impressed how finely tuned their operation is. Check them out at gentlyhugged.org. Please contact Leslie Atkins at thecloseton54th@gmail.com or at 619-916-8780 if you would like to help, donate, or for more info.

Looking ahead, April 25, 2025, marks the 10 year anniversary of the Closet being in operation! Back in 2015, I never imagined we'd make it this far. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who've helped to make this ministry a reality over the years! I couldn't have done it without you all.

Thanks and Blessings,

Leslie Atkins