helping local kids participate
Riptide community closet
Founded by Kristin Happel-Stone and Brian Stone, Riptide Community Closet provides gear, financial support, or items necessary for local kids to participate in extra-curricular activities, who otherwise may not be able to do so. Riptide is currently accepting donations for any sports equipment, certain size cleats, and monetary donations.
Opened in 2022
What started as a pipe dream became a reality in 2022!
100+
The number of times Riptide has helped families.
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FAQs
Thank you for visiting our webpage! Please help share our organization and its mission for the betterment of our community and to help all children participate.
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How can I get donations to you?
Currently we accept donations by appointment only at our storefront located at 2211 4th St. SW, Waverly. Or, you can message our Facebook page for additional options. We are keeping a dropbox in mind for the future when funding becomes available to purchase one.
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What items do you accept?
- Wrestling gear in all sizes
- Cleats for all sports
- Softball pants
- Baseball/softball gloves (preferably bigger sizes, not toddler/tball)
- Bats
- Batting gloves
- Track spikes
- Volleyball and basketball shoes
- Volleyball kneepads
Please note this list changes seasonally and based on inventory.
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What items are not accepted?
- Swimming suits and accessories
- Dance shoes
- Bowling shoes or balls
- Golf clubs
- Baseball pants
- Leotards
- Tennis shoes
Please note this list changes seasonally and based on inventory.
why we do it
Riptide Community Closet started as a way to heal, pay it forward, and support the local community. Riptide's mission is to make extracurricular activities accessible to all local kids including sports, music, theater, art, scouts, clubs, etc. Riptide will pay 50% of fees, up to $100, in addition to providing necessary equipment.
Why "riptide?"
"The name Riptide comes from the fact our whole family SCUBA dives. We know riptides are powerful things that can make a big change. That is our hope with Riptide Community Closet."
- Kristin Happel-Stone, founder
About us
Serving the communities of Waverly, Shell Rock, Janesville, Denver, Readlyn, Tripoli, Sumner, Plainfield, & Clarksville.