For a child entering foster care, even the simplest things can make a difference. Having clean clothes, a fresh pack of underwear, and the everyday essentials they need can help make an unfamiliar situation feel a little more manageable.
That's one of the ways Upper Cumberland Foster Closet is showing up for children and foster families in its community.
Based in Cookeville, Tennessee, the organization works to encourage and equip those who feel called to fostering by providing material goods, support groups, education, and mentoring.
Supporting Foster Families Beyond the Basics
Foster care can bring plenty of unexpected challenges for both children and the families welcoming them. Upper Cumberland Foster Closet wants to make sure those families don't have to navigate everything alone.
Through practical resources, education, mentoring, and support groups, the organization helps foster families feel more prepared and supported along the way.
In 2025, Upper Cumberland Foster Closet served between 500 and 999 individuals, including children and youth. For many of the families they support, access to everyday necessities is an important part of making sure children have what they need.
Why Underwear Is Always on the List
One thing Upper Cumberland Foster Closet knows firsthand is that underwear is an ongoing need.
Every year, the organization hosts a back-to-school event where children can receive a new pack of underwear, along with socks, a new outfit, shoes, and even a haircut!
As Autumn Weitzel, Director of Upper Cumberland Foster Closet, shared:
"We host a back-to-school event every year. We want every child that signs up to be able to receive a new pack of underwear, as well as many other things like socks, a new outfit, new shoes, and a haircut! Underwear is always a need, especially for those children who are just experiencing foster care."
The organization works hard to make sure more than 200 children have these essentials for the school year. In fact, they typically spend several thousand dollars on socks and underwear alone. They also keep supplies stocked throughout the year as certain sizes run low.
That's a significant expense for an organization doing so much to support foster families.
How The Undie Chest Helps
Access to donated underwear helps Upper Cumberland Foster Closet put more of its resources toward the families and children who depend on its programs.
Through The Undie Chest, shipments of donated underwear are distributed to nonprofit partners like Upper Cumberland Foster Closet. From there, the organization gets those essentials directly into the hands of the children and families it serves.
It's a simple connection, but one that helps meet a very real need.
When an organization doesn't have to spend as much of its budget purchasing everyday essentials, those resources can go toward other important needs in the community.
Everyday Essentials. Meaningful Support.
At The Undie Chest, we believe everyone deserves access to the basics.
For a child experiencing foster care, a fresh pack of underwear may seem like a small thing. But having something of their own, something they need and can count on, is part of helping them feel cared for.
We're grateful to partner with organizations like Upper Cumberland Foster Closet that show up for children and foster families every day.