Locker 505 set to open new location Saturday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A local nonprofit, whose mission is to help kids in need, is looking to expand as they are set to open in a new and improved space.

Locker 505 is thinking ahead to the school year while kids and parents are still mostly in summer mode.
For many families, shopping for school clothes — and even supplies — can be too expensive, so they aim to make that load easier for families at no cost to them.

In 2018, Locker 505 helped about 400 Bernalillo County students in need, from kindergarten to 12th grade, providing them with school clothes and other essentials — and last year, that number grew.

“Last year, we saw 2,000 students,” said Kim Kirschen, the executive director of Locker 505.

Looking ahead to this year, they expect to help even more kids in more communities.

“This year, we will begin serving not only Bernalillo County but Valencia County, Sandoval County and Torrance County,” Kirschen detailed. “That means we have to keep a whole lot more clothing on hand because we see 25, 35 kids a day, so we need to keep that selection up for them just like any place where you would shop.”

That means having more options of styles, colors and sizes — and a larger space to meet the growing demand.

Locker 505 moved to a new location a few weeks ago. On Saturday, they are inviting the community out to tour the new space and celebrate its official opening.

Organizers say monetary donations and gently-used clothing can be a huge help to the nonprofit. To learn more about how to donate or learn more details about the upcoming opening, visit the Locker 505 website.