By: Tara Pulaski
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On February 14, 2025, the Jefferson Citizen Review Panel (CRP) organized a community drive to re-stock a clothing closet for youth in out-of-home care in Jefferson County, Ky.
Hosted at the historic L&N Building in Louisville, the drive targeted highly needed items for the clothing closet. The Jefferson CRP partnered with the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) to make the drive a reality, as the clothing closet is used by DCBS frontline workers when youth come into foster care.
Often, when children and youth enter foster care, they do not have all the items they need, including clothing and hygiene items. After consulting DCBS on the greatest need, the Jefferson CRP found that socks and undergarments are the most overlooked items for donations, creating a significant shortage for children. The panel believes that providing clean, comfortable essentials can greatly impact a young person’s health, confidence, and well-being.
Through donations from various non-profits, organizations, and caring individuals, the clothing closet received 500 donations for children of all sizes. They also received hundreds of crucial hygiene items. All the items will go directly to children and youth who have entered foster care in Jefferson County.
The panel also intentionally held their drive on Valentine’s Day, as they wanted children to feel cared for and supported on this day traditionally for love. In the future, Jefferson CRP and DCBS plan to have subsequent drives to keep the community closet stocked on an ongoing basis.
“I would like to shoutout all the Jefferson CRP members for their tremendous effort with this project,” CRP Program Coordinator, Tara Pulaski, said. “Members worked hard to promote the event to the community as well as support the closet by receiving donations. In particular, the panel’s Chair, Tiffany Keith, was instrumental in promoting the event through social media, live streams, and several Louisville radio stations.”
The Jefferson CRP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone that took the time to donate. All the received items and donations will give children in out-of-home care a sense of comfort.
Kentucky maintains nine regional Citizen Review Panels across the state. Each year, caring volunteers work together to support our child welfare system and make a difference for children and families across the Bluegrass.
