The idea has grown from collecting coats for needy kids to serving newborns to adults and everyone in between — Wollert Bros Clothes are helping anyone who may need an article of clothing or toiletry item.
The twin brothers behind the namesake are Garren and Brasen, 12, of Wiley. When their teacher, Brittney Williams, asked for business proposals that would help the Wiley school, community and those in need, Garren and Brasen responded with a practical answer.
“We felt like clothes were a good idea because everyone has to wear clothes,” Wollert brothers said. “And sometimes people can’t afford the clothes. We thought this might be a way to help a lot of people.”
The brothers were right and started Wollert Bros Clothes last November.
“The idea started out as a small coat closet to try to provide warm coats to kids who show up to school without warm clothing,” Williams said. “Shortly after we got started, news of the project made it to a former Wiley resident in Nebraska (Leigh), who happens to run a nonprofit organization called Foster CARE Closet.”
Foster CARE Closet also provides free clothing to families and children but targets those in foster care. The former Wiley resident then set up Wollert Bros Clothes with shelving and donated clothing to provide to Wiley community.
“Since then, we have taken in donations from all surrounding communities and have been able to share with countless people from all of our surrounding communities as well,” Williams said.
The Wollert brothers, Williams, Wiley School staff, community members and groups have volunteered their time to set up and maintain the Wollert Bros Clothes.
Wollert Bros is open by appointment only and continuously takes donations. The clothing closet takes all gently used, clean clothing all sizes from newborn to adults. Teenage boy clothing, as well as jeans for both boys and girls, are high in demand. As children’s needs change, families are encouraged to return and browse their clothes.
“Our favorite part is seeing people’s faces full of smiles when they get what they need,” said Garren and Brasen.
During this week at the Wash Spott Car Wash, Wollert Bros Clothes made girls’ prom dreams come true with their “prom dress parade.” Foster CARE Closet donated more than 150 prom dresses to the event that encouraged girls to come to find a dress for the special occasion. The Wash Spott provided a location where girls would feel comfortable looking for a dress.
“We were able to give girls an opportunity to go to prom with a beautiful prom dress,” said Garren and Brasen. “This was possible because of community support in supplying a large selection of dresses. We also need to thank Leigh in Nebraska.”
As school wraps up this semester and closes for summer, Wollert Bros Clothes Summer hours will be determined later.
“We are hoping to encourage families to continue coming back as their kids grow or seasons change,” Williams said. “We have so much to share and such amazing people in our communities supporting us, we hope to share with as many people as possible.”
When asked if Garren and Brasen have a specific number they want to help, they replied, “we would like to help everyone, there is no number, just everyone in need.”
To set up an appointment to browse Wollert Bros Clothes, call Wiley School at (719) 829-4806.
