About Miss Di's Closet

Miss Di’s Closet: Keeping Portland’s Children Warm

Founded in 2017, Miss Di’s Closet carries a heartfelt mission: to ensure that every child in our local elementary schools stays warm during the cold winter months. We recognize that many families encounter financial hardships, and we are dedicated to providing essential winter clothing to those in need.

Our innovative initiative features custom-built walk-in closets donated to participating schools. These closets serve not merely as storage but as tailored solutions that empower each school’s coordinator to customize the inventory based on their students' specific needs. This approach enables teachers and school staff to swiftly provide students with the clothing essentials necessary for safety and comfort throughout winter.

Each year, we actively support our schools by supplying new boots, coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. Our collaboration with school officials allows us to pinpoint the specific needs of their students, including the types of clothing, quantities, and sizes required. This ensures that every child receives well-fitting clothing that caters to their individual requirements.

Miss Di’s Closet primarily operates through cash donations. We take pride in the fact that 100% of the funds we receive are directed entirely towards purchasing new clothing for children. 

Our vision is to establish a Miss Di’s Closet in every elementary school throughout Portland, ME.   So far, we have successfully launched closets at East End Community School and Amanda Rowe School, and we are currently collaborating with Gerald E. Talbot School in Riverton as part of our 2024 initiative. 

With ongoing community support, we aspire to expand our efforts, ensuring that no child in Portland has to endure winter without adequate clothing.

Join us in our mission to make a difference, one warm coat at a time. Together, we can keep our children warm, safe, and prepared to learn.

Diana Warren was a devoted speech therapist, beloved by countless children whose lives she touched during her long tenure in Portland Public Schools. Fondly referred to as "Miss Di" by both her students and colleagues, Diana demonstrated exceptional compassion for her students, always showing that each one could succeed while working to remove barriers to their progress. In tribute to Diana's remarkable positive impact, we are thrilled to continue her legacy through this school-based service that enriches the lives of students and their families.

Chair 

Mickey Greene 

Vice Chair

Linda Bancroft Greene

President 

David Warren

Vice President

Eliza Warren Giberson

Treasurer

Connor Yost

Secretary

Linda Bancroft Greene