California Closets

Several members of our Baltimore team, along with my husband and son, recently spent a few hours volunteering at the Maryland SPCA, located just minutes from our California Closets showroom.

We had the chance to learn more about the incredible work the organization does while helping with morning walks, treats, and plenty of love for the dogs currently in their care. From energetic pups eager to explore to those simply looking for some extra attention, it was a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The morning was filled with tail wags, happy faces, and lots of teamwork. It was also a great opportunity to step away from our day-to-day routines, spend time together, and give back to an organization that makes such a positive impact in our community.

By the end of the visit, we were already talking about our next volunteer opportunity. We're grateful to the Maryland SPCA for welcoming us and for all they do to help animals find safe, loving homes.

Thanks also to Connie Johnson, our HR business parter, for joining us.

Submitted by Joy Zapanta, GM, CalClosets Baltimore (MD086) 🐾

A few months ago, one of our previous designers, Esther, brought me a vision to support Oxford House (https://www.oxfordhouse.org/) in Falls Church, VA. For those unfamiliar, Oxford House provides supportive housing for individuals working to rebuild their lives in recovery. What started as an idea quickly turned into an incredible opportunity for our team to make a meaningful impact.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Esther's son, Tristan, took on a leadership role and helped coordinate the effort from concept through completion. Together, we donated and installed a California Closets Pantry system that will provide much-needed organization and storage for the residents.
This project was truly a team effort. A special thank you to Lewis, Randy, Steiny, Teresa, Cristen, and Tristan, along with his fellow volunteers, for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork throughout the project. Thank you as well to Shayne for helping us get everything set with the JSS so we could move forward with the installation.
In addition to the pantry system itself, many of you generously donated pantry goods to help stock the shelves. Your contributions added an extra layer of support and care that will be felt immediately by the residents. Thank you to everyone who participated.
One of the best parts of the day was seeing the transformation firsthand. We were able to capture some fantastic before, during, and after photos, and the finished space looks incredible. More importantly, it will serve a meaningful purpose for the people who call Oxford House home.
Projects like this remind us that our impact extends well beyond the work we do every day. They showcase the generosity, compassion, and community spirit that make our team so special.
Thank you again to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and donations to make this project a success. You should all be proud of what we accomplished together.
Best regards,

Stephen Counihan
General Manager

Giving back takes many forms, and this summer California Closets was proud to support Cleveland GiveCamp, an annual community event that connects technology professionals with local nonprofit organizations in need of digital and technology support.

Held over the course of a weekend, GiveCamp brings together technical, creative, and organizational professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to build websites, custom applications, databases, and branding solutions at no cost for nonprofits. In 2026, more than 150 volunteers partnered with 14 local organizations to help strengthen their ability to serve their communities.

Representing California Closets, Megan McKinley volunteered her weekend as a Project Manager for the Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being and development of children and families. Working alongside other skilled volunteers, Megan helped guide the successful delivery of an updated website that will better support the organization's mission and outreach efforts.

By contributing her time, leadership, and project management expertise, Megan helped provide a valuable resource to a nonprofit that can now connect more effectively with the families and communities it serves.

CalClosets Cleveland is proud to support initiatives like Cleveland GiveCamp that empower nonprofits through innovation, collaboration, and service.
Thank you, Megan, for representing California Closets and demonstrating our commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work.

The California Closets Pittsburgh team recently supported the "Bowling with Boom Boom" event, a fundraiser benefiting Clothed in Strength, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-to-moderate income single mothers as they work toward financial stability and independence. The July event raised $10,000 through donations and participation fees.

Hosted by the Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini Foundation, the event brought together local businesses, families, and community members for an evening of friendly competition, food, raffles, and fundraising. The California Closets Pittsburgh team was proud to participate and support a cause that aligns with our commitment to strengthening communities and helping individuals feel welcome and included.

Clothed in Strength provides resources, encouragement, and practical support to women and families navigating financial hardships. Through events like Bowling with Boom Boom, vital funds and donations are raised to help bridge the gap between government assistance and long-term financial independence.

The teams support reflects the California Closets spirit of giving back and making a positive impact beyond the workplace.

This summer, the CalClosets Kansas City team donated both volunteer time and materials to support the 56th Farewell Symphony Designer Showhouse, a longstanding fundraiser benefiting the Kansas City Symphony. For more than five decades, the event has transformed a local home through the work of talented designers and tradespeople, attracting approximately 6,000 visitors each year. This was the Symphony's final year for hosting this project.

The California Closets Designers were selected to participate, designing and installing the home's mudroom, the first space visitors experienced on the tour. The team also enhanced the adjacent under-stair area with additional cubby storage, creating a functional and visually appealing space that showcased their expertise and craftsmanship.

Held from June 13 through July 5, the event is part of a fundraiser that has generated more than $5.5 million for the Kansas City Symphony over its 56-year history. Through their contribution, the Kansas City team helped support the final year of this beloved community tradition and celebrated the meaningful legacy and impact on arts programming in the region.

July 18, 2026

Supporting our local veterans Christmas in July event was especially meaningful to me because my dad is a Vietnam veteran. Seeing the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have served reminds me of the countless men and women who have given so much for our country.

It was an honor for us to support an event that raises money to support veterans, recognizes their service, and ensures they know their sacrifices are appreciated and never forgotten.

July 26, 2026
Served as a Lasagna Love Chef – delivered home-cooked lasagna to a family in need.

Lasagna Love is a global grassroots movement powered by volunteers who believe in the simple act of kindness by cooking and delivering a homemade lasagna to neighbors in need. There is no judgment, only a desire to help. Every lasagna is prepared with care, and the ingredients are personally purchased and generously donated by the volunteer making your lasagna. 

As the Minnesota team prepared to celebrate the recent opening of its new Design Studio & Showroom, members saw an opportunity to make the occasion about more than just a new space. Inspired by gratitude for this exciting milestone, the team incorporated a "Summer of Service" community outreach event.
In the weeks leading up to the event, team members were encouraged to bring food or make a monetary donation to the ICA (Intercongregation Communities Association) Food Shelf, a valued community resource located near the new showroom. To ensure the greatest impact, the planning committee shared a list of the food shelf's most-needed items in advance. By focusing on ICA's current needs, the team was able to provide meaningful support to local families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
The results were inspiring. Together, the Minnesota team donated approximately 245 pounds of food and $100 to the ICA Food Shelf. The ICA team was deeply appreciative of the contribution, and employees found the experience equally rewarding.
According to Elise Brewster, Marketing & Sales Support, at California Closets Minnesota, there was no greater feeling than being able to uplift and support the community.
A special thank you goes to Kelsey Blackburn, one of the Minnesota team's talented designers, who helped bring the initiative to life. After connecting with an ICA representative through the local Chamber of Commerce, Kelsey took the lead in coordinating the donation drive and encouraging team participation.
While the contribution may seem modest, it reflects the values that guide California Closets teams every day—community, generosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact where they live and work. The Minnesota team turned a celebratory milestone into an opportunity to support its new neighbors and strengthen the community it is proud to call home.

At CalClosets New York, creativity isn't limited to designing beautiful spaces, it also shows up in the ways the team supports the local community.
Recently, team members came together for a backpack decorating project, creating personalized backpacks for children and families in need. Using the same creativity and attention to detail they bring to their work every day, volunteers transformed 200 backpacks into colorful, one-of-a-kind gifts designed to make children feel special.
The backpacks, along with donated art supplies, will soon be making their way into the hands of local children. One hundred backpacks and supplies will be donated to a nonprofit children's center in Ossining, while another 100 will be distributed to local families in need in Rockland County during the New York showroom opening.
The effort was about more than backpacks. Team members also personally donated crayons, markers, coloring books, drawing pads, and activity books to help encourage creativity and fun for the children who receive them.
A special thank-you goes to leaders Bob, Bob, and Rob for their generous donation of 200 backpacks and decorating supplies. Their support made the project possible and will help create meaningful moments for children and families across the community. And shoutout to NY's marketing intern Azim for coordinating.
From colorful designs to thoughtful donations, the project was a great example of California Closets doing what it does best, adding a personal touch and making a positive impact, one design at a time. ❤️

Yesterday, I had a team of 4 volunteers. Many of them were brand new to the Canadian Red Cross. We had 6 impacted clients and families reach out for support. Many of them we helped refer them to the correct agency or organization that can give them support. However, there was one couple who lived in a basement suite that needed assistance from a fire that damanged the entire home. I worked with a new volunteer to go step by step to learn how to take care of this couple. The volunteer was able to get the couple to an hotel with transporation & then get them visa cards for basic level of food and clothing money assistance. We now have 3 new volunteers that now have access to their Red Cross credentials and are gaining confidence assisting impacted individuals from disasters.

Sunday morning received a call from an individual that had a basement flooded. Found resources and agency referrals to support this individual and their family to be able to start to recover from this disaster.

The California Closets team in Southern New Jersey (NJ071) spent time last week volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, supporting a local resident. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to help people have access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. Its vision is “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”

"This is the second year in a row that we've partnered with Habitat. Their vision aligns with our values and our deep commitment to making space for what belongs. Thank you to our team members who joined us for this community event," said Marilyn Dolnick, General Manager.

The team spent the workday doing yard clean-up in 100-degree heat and humidity. Thank you and Kudos to (from left to right in group pic solid blue shirts): Lauren Napoli (designer), Kara Collins (Sales Mgr), Brandon Wall (Lead Installer), Scott Varga (Install Mgr), Tom Cullen (designer), Jaci Voss (designer); Emily Little (designer) is not pictured.