Emerson “Kit” Cairns, a fifteen-year-old Phoenixville sophomore, started a nonprofit, Kit’s Closet, to collect clothing and food for those less fortunate, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6ABC.

The idea took root when Cairns was in seventh grade.

“I applied for National Junior Honor Society through the middle school here,” said Cairns. “We were asked to write down 10 ideas of community work that we could do with the group.”

Her idea was to open a “prom closet” that would function as a donation site for those who could not afford formal wear.

While her idea was not selected, she decided to take things into her own hands and start a nonprofit that would serve a similar purpose.

“We collect clothing items and food items and we give it to places,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries of her nonprofit is The Center for Emergency Resources at Ann’s Heart, which serves people who are experiencing homelessness and those who are perilously close to it. The donations of undergarments, bed sheets, shirts, and food from Kit’s Closet have proven to be a big help, said Peter Urscheler, Development Director of Ann’s Heart and the Mayor of Phoenixville.

Read more about Emerson Cairns and her nonprofit, Kit’s Closet, at 6ABC.