California Closets

The CalClosets HR team is spread-out across several states, so they seek unique ways to collaborate to make an impact. Several members joined forces to participate in Summer of Service projects in their respective communities. Individuals picked a local organization/event and made donations or volunteered their time. Together, they can make a ripple.

At our organization, we believe giving back means more than simply donating—it means showing up, lending a helping hand, and using our time and talents to make a meaningful difference in our community.

Recently, our team had the opportunity to support The Julian Center, a domestic violence protective shelter providing women and their children with a safe place to begin moving forward. We were honored to donate both our time and materials to help create a welcoming, organized space where residents can safely select everyday essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and other necessities.

This project was truly a total team effort. From planning and preparing to organizing and bringing the space to life, everyone played a part in creating something that we hope makes an everyday experience a little easier and more dignified for those who need it most.

The gratitude we received from The Julian Center and those involved was incredibly meaningful and deeply appreciated. It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply giving our time, working together, and being willing to serve.

We are passionate about our community and grateful for opportunities to give back in ways that make a difference. We believe in serving first, supporting one another, and creating positive change—together.

Our California Closets Ohio team spent the day volunteering with Crayons and Beyond, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing teachers and students with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom.

Our team helped organize, sort, and stock educational materials, making it easier for local educators to access essential supplies for their students. It was a rewarding opportunity to give back to our community and support an organization that makes a meaningful impact on classrooms throughout the region.

At California Closets, we believe in creating positive change both inside and outside the home. We are proud to continue our partnership with Crayons and Beyond and support their mission of empowering educators, strengthening classrooms, and helping students thrive.

The Shared Services team spent the morning at Teachers’ Treasures sorting books, stocking shelves for that evening’s teacher event, and counting and organizing donated supplies from local school drives. We also brought supplies collected by our team ahead of the service project and made a financial donation to support the organization.

Teachers’ Treasures provides school supplies to local teachers at no cost, supporting approximately 4,000 teachers across 333 schools in Marion County each year. It was a great opportunity to work together while supporting the teachers and classrooms in our community. Being able to give our time, donate supplies, and contribute financially made the experience feel especially impactful.

Our Kentucky team spent an afternoon at the Ronald McDonald House Louisville preparing egg bites and fruit yogurt parfait cups for the families staying there while their children receive medical care nearby. We also took a tour of the facility, which gave us a deeper understanding of the support system the House provides - a place for families to rest, regroup, and stay close to their kids during possibly some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Preparing food may seem like a small gesture, but for families navigating medical crises, having one less thing to worry about - a ready meal, a healthy snack - can make a real difference in their day. Our hope was to offer a moment of comfort and normalcy, and to show these families that their community sees them and cares.
This experience was a meaningful reminder of how volunteer efforts, even ones centered on something as simple as breakfast, can have a lasting impact on people during difficult times.

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

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.

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.

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.