Isiah Christie 
Toni’s Kitchen, one of Montclair’s best-known community organizations, is ‘more than soup’ through its Toni’s Closet program, a local thrift shop. A local Girl Scout’s recent efforts have set up Toni’s Closet to better serve its patrons, thanks to a newly added flexible storage system. Read on for more about local teen Julia’s contribution to Toni’s Closet in Montclair.
Photo Credit: Facebook Toni’s Kitchen
About Toni’s Kitchen + Closet
Toni’s Kitchen was founded in 1982 with a simple goal: “to serve our neighbors in need.” It is unique in that visitors are served food restaurant-style, as opposed to the deli format often found in soup kitchens. Toni’s is known for its frequent collaborative efforts with other organizations and its focus on providing resources that encourage empowerment, whether it’s through access to medical experts, mental health support, or help with finances.
Photo Credit: Facebook Toni’s Kitchen
Toni’s Closet follows a similar mission, aiming to provide reliable access to quality clothing for those in need. “Toni’s Closet ensures access to these items for low-income neighbors in ways that respect their dignity and strengthen their independence,” as stated on their website.
Read More: A List of Food Pantries in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, + Morris Counties
Toni’s Closet also welcomes clothing donations and distributes them to visitors after they receive soup kitchen meals. They also sell some of their donations at a very low cost for families and students looking to obtain clothing that fits their needs.
The New Room
Photo Credit: Facebook Toni’s Kitchen
On Monday, September 15th, 2025, Toni’s Closet opened up a new room that has been transformed by local teen Julia as part of her Eagle Scout Service Project. She designed and built shelving with flexibility, allowing for vertical or horizontal orientation depending on the closet’s needs. This provides even more room for donations and holding of clothes to help assist the general public.
See More: Volunteering Opportunities in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond for Fall 2025
The new room is already open at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, located at 73 South Fullerton Avenue, and is open from 9AM to 1PM on weekdays; 9:30AM to 12PM on Saturdays; and 3PM to 5PM on Sundays. For more information on Toni’s Closet and who to contact in case of interest, read here.
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