The Charles Mix Foster Closet was first organized in November of 2024 by Jessica Nielsen. Jessica ,a former employee by the Department of Social Services (DSS), knew that there was a need in Charles-Mix County and that many foster families/children would greatly benefit from this type of organization. She was inspired to start a foster closet in Charles-Mix County after hearing about the Restore Foster Closet based out of Yankton. Jessica saw how much it made a difference to the foster children and families in the Yankton area.

Having a history working for DSS, Jessica saw the number of children that came into the foster care system either through the state or the tribal CPS program. Jessica has always had a soft spot for helping those in need. Creating and organizing the Charles Mix Foster Closet is Jessica’s way of being able to help support foster families and children in the local foster care system. The foster closet is currently located in Pickstown as Jessica is graciously running it out of her own home. Jessica’s goal is to be able to provide every child that locally enters into the foster care system with a backpack that contains a new toy, blanket, underwear, socks, toothbrush/toothpaste and a couple of new outfits in hopes of brightening a day that can be both scary and difficult.

When asked what were some of the items that the foster closet provides, Jessica said clothing, blankets, coats, hats, baby items (diapers, wipes, bottles and formula) hygiene items and book bags to all foster children, foster families and kinship placements in the Charles-Mix county and surrounding area. As the foster closet began only three months ago, clothing is currently available in select sizes. Jessica’s ultimate goal is to have clothing in all sizes from newborn to teenagers available.

Items that are of a constant need for the foster closet include bookbags, underwear and socks of all sizes as these are the items that she wants to be able to supply new to children and families. Jessica currently has newborn to toddler sized clothing, but very few items for ages 6 to 10. The foster closet does accept gently used clothing with zero stains that does not look worn. For teenagers, the foster closet accepts sweat pants, black leggings and hoodies. Currently, the only hygiene items that Jessica has collected are toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, baby lotion and baby soap.

Donations can be dropped off in Wagner at First Dakota Bank or in Lake Andes at the City Finance Office. If unable to drop off at one of those two locations, then people can contact Jessica on the organization’s Facebook page (Charles Mix Foster Closet). There is also an Amazon gift registry listed under the Charles-Mix Foster Closet that has selected new items that can be purchased and shipped directly to her in Pickstown.

Since the foster closet began in November, Jessica has had a few families reach out for items. She hopes that more families will hear about the closet and that she will be able to serve more in the local communities. If you are a foster family that is in need of items from the closet, there are several ways to get a hold of Jessica. People can contact the state or tribal CPS for her contact information, or reach out to her on Facebook. She will then pack items that are needed and coordinate a pickup time and location with the family.