Karen Tinquist and her family run Foster Love Closet. It was inspired by their experience with the foster care system. “They can come and pick out their own clothes, especially the teens,” she said.

But they welcome in anyone who could use a little help.

“We’re open to foster families, kinship adoptive families, grandparents that just got their grandkids. You know, they need a few things and just families in need. I mean, I’m willing to help anybody,” she told us.

There isn’t a cash register in the shop, because everything is free. There is a bag limit, however. They’ve had up to 200 families in a day come through.

Community members donate things like diapers and clothing and toys.

It all started in 2019, and has grown from a trailer to a storefront.

Tinquist would love to be open more days than she is now, but doesn’t have enough volunteers to do so. She is grateful for those who help out now.

Foster Love Closet is open Thursdays from 9:30-3:00 and Saturdays 9-12:00.

204 NW 1st Ave Suite 8

Grand Rapids, MN 55744

For more info, check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fosterloveitascacounty