Providing Clothes to Those in Need
Located in Salem, VA and named for our founder, Mrs. Joan Dorsey, our Clothes Closet ministry provides free clothing to local individuals and families facing a variety of challenging life circumstances.
What We Do
For over 40 years, Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet has provided free clothing and shoes to families and individuals facing hardship throughout Salem, VA and the surrounding areas—no referral required.
Who We Are
Our program is part of Salem Area Ministries and is staffed by a team of 40 compassionate, caring volunteers who give their time to serve the community. Guided by the call to “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself,” our ministry offers dignity, compassion, and hope to a diverse community.
Edie Saunders
Clothes Closet Operations Coordinator
As Clothes Closet Operations Coordinator, Edie oversees daily operations of the clothing ministry, coordinating volunteers, managing donations, and helping maintain a welcoming and organized environment for guests. She also focuses on building community partnerships that support the organization’s mission of providing dignity and support to families in need through the gift of clothing.
Who We Serve
Each month, we serve more than 400 households, including those experiencing homelessness, living on fixed incomes, single parents, immigrants, and others facing challenges. In 2025, we experienced 3,401 guest visits, served 900 first-time guests, distributed over 766 winter coats, and logged nearly 5,000 volunteer hours.
Our History
Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet was founded in 1983 by Joan Dorsey after she recognized a growing need for quality clothing among families and individuals facing hardship in the Roanoke Valley. What began in the basement of First United Methodist Church has grown over the decades through multiple locations and partnerships, always remaining rooted in Joan’s vision of providing dignity and care through clothing. Now a ministry of Salem Area Ministries, Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet continues to honor Joan’s legacy by meeting basic needs and serving our community with compassion. Click here to learn more about our history.
Our 2025 Impact
- Experienced 3,401 guest visits, with an average 393 guests per month
- Averaged 141 new guests per month
- Served 1,647 distinct individual guests, representing 5,162 household members, of which 2,255 were children
- Most guests reside in Roanoke City, 65.7%, Roanoke County, 14.4%, and Salem, 13.7%.
- The household income of most guests is below $25k or below, 80%.
- Experienced 41 visits from social service, health, and charity agencies, totaling 208 additional guests served.
- Provided overflow donations to an average of 7 different charity organizations each month.
- 4,800 volunteer hours worked
What guests are saying
“Extremely helpful resource for our family of 5! Thank you for all you do!💗”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Brin
“They are very nice and helpful and I am glad that they are there to help people.”
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Angie