BRICK, NJ — As a 14-year-old runaway living in a shelter, Tiffany deSousa remembers a colorful hand-knit wool hat that arrived as a donation. “It might have been passed down from grandchild to great-grandchild,” she said. “It could have been thrown away — but it kept my ears warm.”
Decades later, that simple act of kindness became the inspiration behind Choose Love Celebrate Life (CLCL) — and its latest initiative, Community Threads, a store that provides donated items completely free of charge. The new shop is now open at Brick Township’s Civic Plaza in a no-cost leased storefront, turning compassion into tangible community impact.
“There are no shelters for homeless youth in Ocean, Monmouth, or Atlantic Counties,” deSousa explained. “It’s very important that we restore that service. Until we can open a shelter, prevention is crucial — we want to help families before crises begin.”
Founded in late 2023, CLCL has been rolling out several pilot initiatives under its Community Cares program.
- Phase One: The Community Cares Connection Line (732-800-1222) links residents with nearby resources — from clothing and hygiene products to pet food, diapers, health care, and veterans’ assistance.
- Phase Two: Community Threads, now open, serves as a welcoming space where families can “shop” for essentials like clothing, linens, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, and children’s items — all at no cost.
- Phase Three: A delivery system is planned to ensure access for those unable to visit in person, offering discreet, contact-free service with dignity.
Community Threads aims to relieve financial burdens, reduce parental stress, and lessen social isolation — all factors that can contribute to family crises, substance abuse, or homelessness. “It’s designed so that if you need it, you can go get it — no questions asked,” said deSousa. “We’ve created a space that feels like a real store, because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
The shop includes a community whiteboard for local resources, a play area for children, and changing rooms for families. Donations are entirely community-driven — “neighbors helping neighbors,” as deSousa describes it.
Social work interns from Ocean County College, Ryann Kolodziej and Ray O’Donnell, are among the first volunteers supporting the effort. “I’m looking forward to helping families find hope in a place where they feel safe,” Kolodziej said. O’Donnell added, “I’m grateful for the chance to make a real impact in our community.”
Community Threads is currently seeking donations of children’s clothing and shoes.