DENISON, Texas (KTEN) — The Empowered Closet is a non-profit Denison organization dedicated to supporting pregnant women and mothers with small children. 

The organization was founded earlier this year by Cheyenne Thomas.

"We provide clothing, diapers, formula, food, wipes, to those who are in need," she said.

Executive director Cindy Hooper got involved to help new mothers avoid some of the struggles she had faced.

"I came from California about three years ago, a single mom with my son, and it was really really rough for us there,” she said. "It really ignited a passion inside of me to want to give back and to help people, and to have other mothers not experience the things that I had gone through."

The Empowered Closet is currently holding a shoe fundraiser.

"Men's work boots, heels, flats, baby shoes... anything," Thomas said. "We've got collection boxes scattered in all of the places; there's some in Bonham, Denison, Sherman."

The non-profit is using the organization Funds2orgs to fundraise from their shoe drive. Funds2orgs will pay the Empowered Closet per pound of shoes and re-distribute the shoes to developing nations. The Empowered Closet hopes to use that money to acquire more space for their organization. 

One mom that the organization has already helped is Denison resident Anna Wilson.

"There's always a feeling that the world is kind of against you when you're a young mom, especially in a one-income household,” she said.  “It's really nice having places like the Empowered Closet."

If you are looking to get connected with the Empowered Closet, you can visit their Facebook page or website. There are opportunities to request assistance, become a community partner, and volunteer.

Shoe drop-off locations include:

  • The Empowered Closet (drop box located in front): 1115 Memorial Drive, Denison
  • Milo and MJ's Activity Center: 1802 North Center Street, Bonham 
  • Platinum Nissan (Parts Dept.): 2010 US 75,  Denison
  • Sherman Public Library: 421 N. Travis Street, Sherman
  • Shockley State Farm Insurance: 901 West Sam Rayburn Drive, Bonham  
  • 410 Collective + Coffee:  410 Main Street,  Denison
  • The Venue on Main:  519 West Main Street #102,  Denison