Ken-Ton Closet

Ken-Ton Closet is a thrift store in Tonawanda, NY, operating as a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to meeting the basic needs of children in the Village of Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda. The organization provides free clothing, school supplies, food, and toiletries to families in need, with services available to children experiencing economic hardship, fire losses, or emergency foster placements. Families receive essential items such as 3-4 outfits, shoes, socks, underwear, and specialty items like winter coats or holiday clothing during bi-monthly visits. The store is located at 250 Athens Blvd, with entry through Door 2 on the Oakvale Blvd side of the building, on the second floor. It operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 4 PM, and on the second Saturday of each month from 9 AM to 1 PM. With a 4.90 rating based on customer reviews, Ken-Ton Closet has established a strong reputation for consistent, compassionate service.

The Ken-Ton Closet began in January 2013 as an initiative of the Ken-Ton Parent Alliance, founded by Jill O’Malley and her husband Matt. Initially housed in the Sheridan Parkside Building, it relocated in July 2019 to its current site at the former Jefferson School. The program is entirely volunteer-driven, relying on community support to sustain its operations. In 2025, it served 315 families through its in-house clothing program, with combined efforts from its school supply distribution reaching 868 children. The nonprofit also partners with local organizations and has received support from groups like the Kenmore Rotary Foundation, enabling it to expand its reach and impact.

Ken-Ton Closet maintains a strong digital presence, with a website that search engines read cleanly and efficiently, enhancing its visibility to those seeking community resources. This operational clarity supports its mission by ensuring that families and volunteers can easily access information about shopping hours, donation locations, and program details.

As a cornerstone of support for children and families in Tonawanda, Ken-Ton Closet exemplifies grassroots resilience, turning community generosity into tangible aid for those most in need.