What was once an empty classroom at Robinson Primary School is now a place of hope for families in Fairfield. With support from United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), Grace Klein Community and other local partners, the school celebrated the opening of the W.I.N.N. Academy Community Closet — a free resource center where parents and students can find clothing, household goods, toiletries and school supplies.
The name stands for “What I Need Now” and Principal Melonie C. Peppins said that is exactly what the closet provides.
“The closet is for the whole community — especially parents, who may need professional clothing for work or a job interview. We also have toiletries, household items and school supplies. This is a resource for anything that they need,” she said.
For Peppins, who grew up in Fairfield, the project carries personal meaning. She believes supporting parents is the key to student success.
“If you take care of the parents and the community, that’s a way to reach the children,” she said. “I’m trying to get to the root, the source, so we can blossom.”
United Way’s Role in Bringing the Vision to Life
United Way’s involvement in the project stretches back more than two years. Gina Davis-Owens, a Community School Coordinator with UWCA, helped shepherd the idea from a scattered collection of donations to a thoughtfully designed and organized space that feels more like a store than a random place to find a handout.
“At first, it just seemed like I was in a room with a bunch of bags,” said Davis-Owens. “But as more people came to help, I could start seeing the dream come to light.” She added that dignity is central to the effort.
“When you’re coming and you’re getting things free, we want you to feel like you’re shopping at the mall. It’s about dignity.”
Community Partnerships Strengthen the Closet
That vision has already inspired others in the community. Fairfield Fire Chief Carlos Perry has seen firsthand the difference resources such as this can make for families in crisis.
“I’ve seen it when people have lost everything, even their hope,” he said. “Having an outlet like this where people can come and shop for things they may otherwise be embarrassed to ask for is a blessing.”
Faith-based nonprofit Grace Klein Community also played a key role by coordinating donations and encouraging neighbors to give back. Claudine Land, Community Liaison with Grace Klein, emphasized that when the community contributes, those gifts generate a return in the form of stronger neighborhoods.
The W.I.N.N. Academy Community Closet is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only. More than a collection of supplies, it reflects how collaboration can meet immediate needs and support long-term stability.
To make an appointment at the closet, call (205) 783-6827 or send an email to [email protected].