Havasu Unites: Businesses Support The Clothes Closet After Break-In

An unfortunate event at The Clothes Closet has galvanized the community into action.

Late Sunday night, around 10:20 p.m., a break-in disrupted the organization. Security footage captured an unidentified man throwing a tool through the rear window, scattering glass across bins and desks.

President and CEO Christine Watson-Buntemeyer and Resource Manager Cindy Keasey initially reported no items missing, but a donation jar was later found to be stolen. The break-in occurred just after the Back to School Care Fair, an annual event supporting hundreds of families with school supplies.

“Whoever did this knew what they were looking for,” Watson-Buntemeyer said, noting the unusual placement of the donation jar, possibly noticed during Saturday’s event.

On Monday, a meticulous cleanup began. Shards of glass were painstakingly removed from various items, including toiletries and clothing. Most unpackaged items were discarded, but some were salvaged after thorough cleaning.

“It was a major task,” Watson-Buntemeyer said, reflecting on the efforts to clean each item individually.

Community support poured in as photos of the incident were shared online. Volunteers, including board member Don Klostermeier and Carrie Schultz of Gear Up Motorsports, assisted in covering the broken window and clearing debris. Lambert Custom Builders applied plywood, and Advantage Windshield and Glass boarded up the window from the inside.

Numerous organizations also offered their help, including Anderson Auto Group, whose Director of Marketing, Andrea Foote, coordinated support after discussing with their General Manager, Brandon Reed.

Watson-Buntemeyer aims to enhance security with brighter floodlights and upgraded systems. “We need better visibility,” she stated, referring to the murky security footage.

The Clothes Closet also announced a fundraiser to cover repair costs. Majik Bistro and Milkshakes will donate partial proceeds on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1960 Mesquite Ave. The Clothes Closet, located at 1968 Mesquite Ave, can be contacted at 928-230-3113 for more details.

“Our community is amazing,” Watson-Buntemeyer emphasized. “Their support is what helps us thrive.”