Nationwide — Leigh Canada, an African American mother from Atlanta, Georgia, turned the grief of losing her daughter into a mission to help families in need. After Emonie died suddenly in 2018, Canada created Emonie’s Closet, a clothing program that provides free outfits and support to people facing financial challenges.
Canada started the nonprofit after finding herself with her daughter’s clothes and no idea what to do with them. She turned her garage into a clothing closet where families could receive help with dignity.
The organization was named after Emonie, whom Canada adopted through foster care. She described her daughter as a colorful, caring child who loved serving others.
“Emonie was my Skittle baby, and I call her Skittle because if you think of a bowl of candy, she was so colorful, sweet, sour sometimes,” Canada told WLBT. “So, she definitely was full of joy, always wanting to give back, service-wise. She never forgot where she came from.”
What started in Canada’s garage has grown into a mobile clothing closet serving foster youth, job seekers, and families experiencing financial hardship. The program provides clothing for school, work, and everyday needs.
For a mother of three, Tamaryo Shepherd, Emonie’s Closet helped reduce the stress of back-to-school shopping. Shepherd said Canada made her feel welcomed and respected while receiving help.
“She didn’t make me feel any less than. She was humble and down to earth, and I really appreciate that because it made me more comfortable,” Shepherd said.
Canada said the clothing program is about more than providing outfits. She believes having clothes that make people feel confident can help them face important moments in life.
“A lot of people get judged, feel intimidated, don’t feel good about themselves. Once they put on that armor of clothing, it helps them walk through life much better,” Canada said.
After helping thousands of families, Canada said Emonie’s Closet continues to keep her daughter’s memory alive.
“It means the world to me. Those who have never felt the grief of losing a child, this is and will always be my baby, just living through her name, being able to let her still fly,” Canada said.
Canada encourages families struggling financially to ask for help without shame. Through Emonie’s Closet, she continues sharing the kindness and compassion her daughter was known for.