My Sister’s Community Closet Founder Transforms Clothing Swap Concept Into Thriving Nonprofit
By Andrew Cutler
Chelsy Woods had had enough. The Sherman County resident was weary of hauling bags of brand-name clothes to donation sites each time her children changed their style.
“I was always trying to find a way to recycle them back into the community,” she says.
Chelsy’s frustration proved to be the mother of invention. In July 2024, she opened My Sister’s Community Closet in Wasco, where most residents must drive 30 minutes to the nearest department store.
Chelsy converted a room in the Wasco School Events Center into an area where residents can connect, build confidence, and find their next go-to outfit. The ambiance of My Sister’s Community Closet is more in tune with a best friend’s closet than a traditional thrift store.
Chelsy opened the nonprofit with a key goal of keeping prices affordable. Most items cost less than $10, and winter coats are capped at $10.
“We also offer a free clothing section outside of our shop that’s available to the public anytime the Wasco School Event Center is open,” Chelsy says. “Most of this clothing has small holes or stains but is still wearable for work or projects. I try to make sure we have coats, sweaters, or other seasonal items available for those in need.”
A Family Affair
5 years ago, Chelsy and her husband, Kyle, moved from Sandy to Sherman County with their 3 daughters. They were attracted to the area’s rural lifestyle.
Kyle, a lineworker with Pacific Power, helped fund My Sister’s Community Closet for the first 6 months and built clothing racks for the shop.
“He told me, ‘I’ll support this for up to 1 year, and if it’s not taking care of itself at that point, then maybe we reevaluate,’” Chelsy says.
Fortunately, the business has become self-sustaining.
The inspiration for Chelsy’s business logo came from her children. The logo includes a lily, a violet, and a willow, which represent the names of her 21-, 19-, and 8-year-old daughters.
Finding a Home
Chelsy spent several years searching for the best spot for her retail operations. She says she encountered a range of options.
“I was looking for a closet-type space or an area like a food bank, but there wasn’t a space available or open as often as I was looking for,” she says.
Chelsy says she was first offered space in Rufus, but she wanted a more central location. The hunt led her to Jessica Wheeler at Wasco School Events Center.
“I felt very fortunate to get such an amazing room,” Chelsy says. “It’s kind of in the center of the community.”
Affordable rent also played a crucial role in her decision.
“I thought that was a great deal for the space,” Chelsy says. “Gosh, could you imagine in Portland?”
Serving the Community
The store’s location has created opportunities for partnerships with nearby organizations.
“We have the Sherman County Mid-Columbia Center for Living right below me, which has been great because they send people up all the time for clothing for interviews,” Chelsy says.
Chelsy also collaborates with several local groups, such as Sherman County Prevention.
“I gave them my business cards, and what they’ll do is put an amount on the back and give those to certain individuals they’re working with,” she says.
The business card serves as a gift card. When they’re redeemed, Chelsy invoices Sherman County Prevention for the total.
Chelsy says 1 of her goals is to make sure her customers can shop with dignity.
“I want them to be able to shop without being embarrassed or ashamed,” she says.
1 story stands out to Chelsy. A woman needed clothes for a job interview, and Chelsy donated pieces to get her started. 2 weeks later, the woman returned with her first paycheck to shop for more items.
“That was cool,” Chelsy says.
Local schools also turn to Chelsy for help managing lost-and-found items, and she sometimes provides discount cards for students.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Chelsy hopes to make small upgrades while ensuring her community-focused mission continues. The Ford Family Foundation recently awarded her a $5,000 grant for technical assistance. She would also like to raise funds to enhance the changing room facilities.
“It’s really incredible seeing what she’s done with the space,” Jessica says. “It gives folks a place to donate locally. It serves our low-income residents well, and it also offers a place where residents can find necessary clothing items in a pinch.”
Chelsy has her sights set on a special goal that captures rural Oregon’s community spirit.
“The Sherman County Fair is huge out here,” she says. “With any excess money we have, I want to buy a fair animal through My Sister’s Community Closet,” she says.