Why not take care of your holiday shopping list and benefit Indy Legal Aid? Thanks to Indy Legal Aid attorney, Jennifer Hammond, we have been invited to participate in Clothes With A Cause in-store and online fundraiser on Thursday, November 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you plan to shop in the store, masks and social distancing are required. Clothes With A Cause (CWAC) is located in Clay Terrace, 14300 Terrace Boulevard, Suite 105 in Carmel. You can find the store on the south-west-side of Clay Terrace.

To shop online visit www.ClothesWithACause.net.

CWAC, not only has fabulous clothes, but other fantastic items, such as jewelry, body care products, shoes, home décor, children’s items, and much more. 

Clothes With A Cause supports women-owned businesses when purchasing their inventory. Examples include local artisans, such as a jewelry designer in Logansport, in addition to One Hope Wine in Napa Valley.

Kelli McLaughlin, founder of Clothes With A Cause (CWAC), already has made quite an impact since July 2017 when she launched her new concept of social entrepreneurship.

As Kelli explained, CWAC was inspired by the adoption of her nephew from China approximately five years ago. She watched her brother and sister-in-law create fundraiser after fundraiser to help raise the funds for the massive adoption expense, and, as Kelli said, ". . . when all they wanted to do was something positive in the world." So, Kelli began to brainstorm a way that she could help others accomplish their fundraising goals in a practical, but meaningful way.

Kelli, mother of four ranging in ages from three to 19, started with one rack of clothes in her living room in July 2017 and invited friends and family to shop. It then took two years of growing her business through word-of-mouth, along with attending festivals and shows before she was ready to launch a store front. Her shop in Clay Terrace has been open for 13 months.

Kelli tries to sponsor all locally-based non-profits, however, they have sponsored three international groups, as well as a few national non-profits over the course of 3.5 years. To date, Kelli and CWAC have helped 31 non-profits.

Kelli's long-term plans include opening two more shops in the Indianapolis area and then expand to other major cities. Additionally, Kelli has launched a side project called the Hoosier Humanity Project, that provides gifts to those experiencing homelessness during the holiday season. Her goal for this project is to be in all major US cities - supporting the 500,000+ in the homeless community - within the next 20 years.

"We are very grateful that Indy Legal Aid will benefit from an evening of holiday shopping on Thursday, November 19," said John Floreancig, Indy Legal Aid General Counsel and CEO. "We greatly appreciate Kelli choosing Indy Legal Aid to benefit from this fundraiser."

"Carol," a 34 year-old veteran, came to Indy Legal Aid needing a license reinstatement fee waiver petition filed. Both she and her husband, also a veteran, lost their jobs because of Covid-19. Carol was training at a local hospital to be a financial representative, but was laid off at the beginning of the pandemic. Having a two-year old son and no income was very stressful for Carol and her husband. And being unable to legally drive hampered Carol's employment opportunities.

Indy Legal Aid attorney, Deetta Steinmetz, was able to help Carol with the Court and her Petition to Waive Reinstatement Fee. Carol was extremely grateful for Deetta's assistance. As she commented, "I am truly thankful for your work. It turned my life around in a positive way."

For more information, click here.

We have several ways for you to make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable Hoosiers in Central Indiana. Approximately $.90 of every dollar donated to Indianapolis Legal Aid Society is directly used to provide programs and services. For more information, click here.