By Jennifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
When families face an unexpected crisis, the smallest necessities – a clean outfit, basic toiletries, or other everyday essentials – can make an overwhelming situation feel just a little more manageable.
That belief is at the heart of Lauren’s Closet, a new initiative launched through a partnership between Shine Like Lauren, Inc. and the Independence Police Department. The program is designed to provide practical support to individuals and families experiencing emergencies while preserving their dignity during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Shine Like Lauren, Inc. is a tax-exempt charitable organization established in memory of Lauren Collins, who was killed on July 16, 2023, at the age of 18 when a tire thrown from another vehicle struck her car.
The nonprofit was created to honor Lauren’s life by carrying forward the kindness, compassion and light she shared with others through scholarships, community partnerships and acts of service.
The idea for Lauren’s Closet grew from both deep community roots and personal experience.
Shine Like Lauren President Amy Marsh said the nonprofit’s board has longstanding ties to Independence, where Lauren attended Summit View, Twenhofel Middle School and Simon Kenton High School. Marsh has also spent more than two decades working in the Independence school system as a social, emotional and behavioral interventionist.
After Lauren’s accident, Marsh witnessed firsthand the compassion shown by first responders. The partnership came together naturally when Shine Like Lauren learned about the work being done by the Independence Police Department’s social worker, Taylor Graham, and the need for additional resources to help people in crisis.
Lauren’s Closet is named in honor of Lauren’s legacy of kindness.
According to Marsh, Lauren had a remarkable ability to notice when someone felt left out, discouraged or in need of encouragement. The new program reflects that same spirit by providing essential items while helping people feel cared for and respected.
“It’s about meeting immediate needs with compassion,” Marsh said.
For Marsh, dignity is central to the mission.
“Dignity means recognizing that every person deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of what brought them to that moment,” she explained. “When someone is facing trauma or uncertainty, it’s about reminding them they matter. We want every person to leave feeling valued, not judged.”
While Shine Like Lauren is well known for awarding scholarships, Marsh said the organization has always envisioned expanding its impact throughout the community wherever hope is needed. Lauren’s Closet represents that next step by transforming compassion into practical support for neighbors facing hardship.
The program is intended to assist people experiencing a wide range of emergencies, including domestic violence situations, house fires, youth crises and other unexpected events that leave individuals without basic necessities. Organizers say flexibility is key so they can respond to each family’s unique situation.
Community involvement will be essential to the program’s success.
Residents can support Lauren’s Closet by donating new clothing and essential items, making financial contributions, volunteering and helping spread awareness about the program. Information on current needs and donation opportunities will be available through Shine Like Lauren’s website and social media platforms, while the City of Independence will also provide information through its social worker webpage.
Looking ahead, Marsh hopes Lauren’s Closet becomes a lasting community resource that continues to grow through partnerships and community support.
Above all, she hopes the initiative reminds people that kindness has a lasting impact.
“Every scholarship we award, every act of kindness we support, and every item placed into someone’s hands through Lauren’s Closet is a reminder that one person’s light can continue shining through an entire community,” Marsh said. “We hope Lauren’s Closet encourages all of us to notice others, lead with compassion, and remember that even small acts of kindness can change someone’s day.”