About

Mission Statement: St. Olga’s Closet provides assistance to seminarians of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and their families in the way of material goods for daily subsistence, such as clothing, baby supplies, housewares, as well as emergency funds* and other incidental necessities.

Services:

1) The Closet - The Closet houses clothes, shoes, baby supplies, housewares, toys, books, and more for seminarians, their spouses and their children. All items are free.

2) The Pantry - The Pantry offers dry goods such as rice, canned meats and vegetables, pasta, nut butters, beans, soup, and more. It also supplies goods such as soap, cleaners, paper towels, feminine supplies, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, and more. All items are free.

3) The Fund* - The Fund will provide emergency cash support for unexpected needs. The goal of the Fund is to ensure that students are able to make ends meet when emergencies threaten to obliterate their savings.

St. Olga's Closet was born of the clothing exchange events held at the seminary over the years. The Closet is a permanent establishment for all seminarians and their families. Pre-loved and new clothing, toys, and small household goods may be found amongst the treasures. The Closet is named for St. Olga of Kwethluk, Wonderworker and Matushka of All Alaska, who gave warm clothes, boots, socks, and gloves to others. She told her children not to say anything if they saw other children wearing clothes that had once been theirs. About ten percent of her village became seminarians at St. Herman's Orthodox Theological Seminary during her lifetime.

* St. Olga's Closet hopes to achieve non-profit status by the end of 2025. Until that time, the Closet is not accepting monetary donations, and any physical donations are not tax deductible.

Administration

Katherine Cardell - Executive Director

Martha Spreen - Financial Director

Brian Seraphim Cardell - Facilities Manager