FOR THE WAUSAU TIMES

After months of preparation, United Way of Marathon County’s Mobile Community Closet is ready to roll!
The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday, Nov 30 at noon to view the mobile closet.
This project is made possible by a $100,000 Impact 100 Greater Wausau grant and is an extension of the brick-and-mortar Community Closet.
The first trip took place November 16 in Edgar where racks of clothing, shoes and winter items were on display for shopping. All clothing items are free. If someone earns too much for assistance, but can’t make ends meet with the rising cost of basic needs, they are welcome to shop. United Way does not ask about income. If someone is having a tough time because their car broke down and they must decide between getting their children winter coats or fixing the car – they are welcome.
If someone does not have a home, they are welcome. Everyone is welcome and deserves access to clothing.
About 16,000 households in Marathon County are living below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, meaning they earn less than the cost of living. These could be your friends, neighbors, or anyone you know living paycheck-to-paycheck and are one crisis away from financial ruin. About 42% of Wausau households are living below the ALICE threshold.
The Mobile Community Closet will work to provide clothing to these families and popup in locations like schools, churches, community events, other non-profits, etc
Eliminating the financial burden of clothing from struggling households means more families can THRIVE.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the United Way of Marathon County office located at 705 S. 24th Ave, Suite 400B. Please note, the ceremony will not take place in front of the Community Closet because it will be open for shopping. The truck will be parked outside of the United Way office.
United Way of Marathon County has a bold goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. We are all Uniting to THRIVE.