Tiger’s Closet: An expanding resource center for the Seattle Central community
Clothing is essential. It regulates body temperature and reflects identity and self-expression. For many students, however, buying clothes can strain already tight budgets. Between tuition, textbooks, and daily living expenses, clothing can become another source of stress. Tiger’s Closet was created to ease that burden by offering free clothing so students can feel comfortable and confident without added financial pressure.
Tiger’s Closet is a free clothing resource center established as a service project by Seattle Central College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society chapter, Alpha Chi Zeta. Located in Room 3225 of the Broadway Edison Building, it is open from noon to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Hours may vary depending on volunteer availability and quarterly adjustments. Seattle Colleges community members can access resources by making an appointment or by walking in.
The initiative began in September 2024 as a small clothing drive with limited donations. As word spread, contributions increased and the selection of items expanded. By May 2025, the project secured a dedicated physical space. Support from Dress for Success Seattle further strengthened the closet’s mission through additional clothing donations.
Ubah Farah, former PTK vice president of service and founder of Tiger’s Closet, said she was motivated by her peers’ experiences.
“The inspiration came from seeing fellow students struggle quietly—choosing between transportation, food, and appropriate clothing for class, work, or interviews,” Farah said. “As a student leader and a single mother, I understood how easily basic needs can become barriers to education. I wanted to create something rooted in dignity, not charity—a space where students could walk in and feel supported, not judged.”
Farah said the mission extends beyond providing clothing; the goal is to foster support and belonging within the Seattle Central community. She recalled one student who found professional attire at Tiger’s Closet and was able to attend a job interview with confidence for the first time. The student ultimately secured the position.
The experience, Farah said, served as a reminder of how something as simple as clothing can restore confidence, open doors, and change a student’s trajectory.
Tiger’s Closet is operated by PTK officers with support from volunteers and donors across the Seattle Central community. PTK members and volunteers manage daily operations, greet visitors, and explain how to access resources.
With continued community support, the closet has gradually expanded its offerings. In addition to clothing, it provides hygiene products, such as soap and toothbrushes, and toys for children. Through a collaboration with the Sustainability Club’s zero-cost textbook drive, textbooks are also available.
However, Tiger’s Closet has faced challenges related to volunteer participation. Before the fall 2025 quarter, the onboarding process for volunteers required only the completion of a Google Form. Beginning in fall 2025, Seattle Colleges implemented new requirements, including a Social Security number (SSN) and a more extensive onboarding process involving background checks.
The new requirements have limited the ability of many international students without an SSN to volunteer. Even for students who have an SSN, the expanded onboarding process can be time-consuming. As a result, the closet struggled for a period to maintain regular operating hours. During the fall 2025 quarter, it operated by appointment only, significantly reducing the number of visitors.
The closet is currently operated by two student and two staff volunteers. While this team helps prevent the staffing shortages experienced in fall 2025, PTK is still recruiting. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply through the project’s Google Form.
Danika Djuanda, PTK’s vice president of service, outlined the goals and future direction of the closet.
“We hope to maintain consistent operations with reliable volunteers and to increase awareness so more students know about the resource center,” Djuanda said. “In addition to the closet, the campus food pantry and the Veterans Center are located nearby. In the future, the third floor of the Broadway Edison Building could become a centralized resource hub for students.”
She emphasized that Tiger’s Closet is open to all Seattle Central students and community members, and donations are always welcome.
The closet accepts various items, including tops, bottoms, outerwear, warm-weather items, socks, and shoes. Donated clothes should be clean, gently used, and in good condition. The closet also accepts new hygiene products, such as soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, and shaving cream. Donations can be dropped off at BE 3225.
For questions about Tiger’s Closet, please contact PTK via email or Instagram direct message.
Maya was born and raised in South Korea and is an international student at North Seattle College, majoring in pre-nursing. She loves drawing, Mariners, and delicious food, and enjoys sharing useful information with others — from restaurant reviews to helpful tips for Seattle College students. As a staff writer, she deeply understands the power and importance of sentences, so she hopes that every student can make the most of their campus life and receive positive energy by reading the Seattle Collegian’s articles.
