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Lake County, Florida

Stability today, success tomorrow.

Hunger doesn't take weekends off. Neither do we.

The Care Closet works with local schools and partners so kids and families have good food when school meals aren't available. No hoops, no shame, just neighbors showing up.

Neighbors of all ages packing paper grocery bags with pantry food at a sunny outdoor table while two children with backpacks watch.
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Our work, in plain numbers

Real figures from our packing weeks. Every one goes straight to feeding local families.

170

Families supported

weekly, 680 monthly

3

Schools served

current school year

$40

Provides food for a whole family each month

Bags average about $10

100%

Volunteer led

Founded in 2022

Choose your way to care

Four simple ways to help. Pick the one that fits your week.

Fill the Shelves

Shop our current needs list or drop off pantry staples nearby.

See what's needed

Lend a Hand

Pack bags, sort donations, or help at a community event.

Find a shift

From the families you care for

Real words sent to us by parents and neighbors receiving support.

“Thank you so much for the food donation for me and my children. It truly means more to us than you could ever imagine. During difficult times, acts of kindness like yours make such a huge difference, and I am incredibly grateful for your generosity and support. I pray that God continues to bless you, your organization, and the vision behind everything you do. The love and care you show families in the community are truly a blessing. Please let me know if you will be having another food drive in the future. I would love to stay informed. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. We appreciate you more than words can express.”
— A Care Closet family

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Community gives

    Neighbors, schools and businesses donate food and funds.

  2. Step 2

    We collect & pack

    Volunteers sort donations into kid-friendly food packs.

  3. Step 3

    Schools & partners connect

    Trusted local contacts identify who needs support.

  4. Step 4

    Families receive

    Food goes home discreetly, with dignity and no hoops.

  5. Step 5

    Kids return ready

    Monday starts with a full stomach and room to learn.

Three volunteers sorting cans and cereal boxes into colorful bins inside a bright pantry.

Started by a teacher, carried by neighbors

Angie Scullion founded The Care Closet in 2022 after seeing students take food home from her classroom because they needed meals for evenings and weekends. What began as a quiet, self-funded effort became a nonprofit centered on dignity, consistency and sustainable local support.

Today the work runs on donated food, small monthly gifts and a lot of volunteer hours, coordinated quietly with the schools and partners families already trust.

Most needed right now

These are the items our shelves ask for most. Staff keep this list current.

See the full needs list
Urgent

Peanut butter

Protein

Plastic jars, 16oz or smaller travel best in kid-sized bags.

High Need

Individual oatmeal packets

Breakfast

High Need

Canned chicken or tuna

Protein

Pop-top cans preferred.

A bright pantry stocked with kid-friendly food

Two hours. A whole lot of lunch bags.

Most volunteer shifts are short, social and beginner-friendly. Come alone, bring a friend, or bring the whole team.

Volunteer with us

Where does The Care Closet provide assistance?

The Care Closet serves children and families in Lake County, Florida, working through local schools and trusted community partners.

The work started at Sorrento Elementary in 2022 and now reaches families at 3 schools, about 170 families each week. Community donation drop-off sites are hosted by local businesses in Eustis, Mount Dora, Sorrento and Umatilla.

See drop-off sites

Frequently asked questions

What does The Care Closet do?

The Care Closet is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lake County, Florida. We work with local schools and partners so kids and families have food when school meals aren't available, like evenings and weekends.

Read our story

How can my family get help?

Support usually starts through your child's school or a trusted local partner, who connects families with us discreetly. You can also reach out to us directly.

Get help

What area does The Care Closet serve?

We serve kids and families in Lake County, Florida.

School information

What food can I donate?

Our Give Food page lists the items our shelves need most right now, plus Amazon and Walmart wishlists you can shop online.

See current needs

Where can I drop off donations?

We have community drop-off sites across Lake County. Addresses and directions are on the Give Food page.

Find a drop-off site

Can I give money instead of food?

Yes. Donations are processed securely through Zeffy, one time or monthly. About $40 provides food for a whole family each month.

Donate

How do I volunteer?

Pick a packing shift or community event on our Volunteer page. Most shifts are short and beginner-friendly.

Find a shift

Can businesses partner with The Care Closet?

Yes. Businesses can sponsor our work at several levels or host a food drive.

Explore sponsorship

How can I contact The Care Closet?

Use our contact form or email thecareclosetinfo@gmail.com.

Contact us

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