Deborah Pittz expands community care closet to help Southwest Little Rock fire victims

Deborah Pittz, of the Little Rock Police Department, said she expanded a volunteer-run "Community Care Closet" after a series of fires in Southwest Little Rock left families without belongings.

Pittz said she began collecting clothes and shoes for neighbors who lost everything, operating initially out of a small office corner and later moving into a larger shared warehouse area as demand increased. "There's no limit. Take what you need," she said, describing how referred families are invited to come pick up items with no charge.

The program grew to include clothing racks, shoe racks and storage tubs. Pittz recounted a recent case in which a family referred after a house fire visited the closet and later conveyed strong appreciation to the referring party. "They just couldn't quit talking about you," she said of the family's response.

Pittz said the Little Rock Fire Department allowed her to use quarter areas in a city facility to store donated items, which she described as essential to the operation's expansion. She also credited Little Rock city employees for helping spread the word by sharing flyers.

There is no formal city funding for the closet, Pittz said: "everything is strictly from my pocket or family and friends donating to help make this possible." She appealed for volunteers to help with sorting on Wednesdays and event preparation.

Pittz said the group has an upcoming event and asked people to consult the Community Care Closet Facebook page for volunteer hours and event details. The effort remains volunteer-driven and relies on donations and city goodwill for storage space and publicity.