In the heart of Davenport, Iowa, The Clothing Center at Minnie’s Maison radiates a spirit of generosity and empowerment that ripples through the community. At the center of this initiative is Royal Neighbors member Linda Lannan, the Project Manager and a recipient of a 2023 Nation of Neighbors℠ Award, who embodies the transformative power of giving back. Through her leadership, The Clothing Center has evolved into a lifeline for those in need, offering not just clothing but also dignity, comfort, and community support.
What makes The Clothing Center truly unique is its “circle of goodness.” Those who come in search of help often leave with more than just a new outfit – they leave with hope and, sometimes, a renewed sense of purpose. This cycle completes itself as many recipients eventually return, inspired to volunteer and pay forward the kindness they’ve experienced.
One of the most poignant examples of the center’s impact occurred when a young woman arrived, looking for a simple pair of jeans. As a volunteer assisted her, she quietly shared her struggles, revealing that she had been a victim of sexual assault and had attempted to take her own life. The volunteer listened with empathy, provided her with resources for further support, and reminded her that she was not alone. “This is what empowerment looks like,” Linda explained. “It’s that moment when someone feels seen, cared for, and begins to believe in a brighter future.”
Linda’s own journey to The Clothing Center started in 2009, when a health issue led her to retire early from a successful career in finance. Seeking a small way to stay active, she found herself volunteering an hour a week at the center, drawn to the mission and the community’s dedication. Over time, her role grew, and today she leads a group of more than 30 core volunteers who help families facing poverty, displacement, or unexpected crises.
When asked about the challenges, Linda recalls the early days when the center struggled with limited space and resources, initially only able to serve around 100 people a month. Thanks to the Sacred Heart Cathedral Foundation and a community that rallied behind the cause, The Clothing Center now operates out of a welcoming, safe space that meets the needs of thousands each year. Through grants including their Nation of Neighbors empowerment grant, donations, and community involvement, the center has expanded its reach to support a wide range of individuals, from foster children to refugees, and even individuals rehabilitation or incarceration.
The Clothing Center’s impact goes far beyond meeting basic needs. Linda and her team have created a sanctuary where families can shop for free with dignity, where a mother can find the clothes her children need to start school confidently, and where an elderly woman can find a suitable outfit to volunteer at a funeral dinner. Linda believes that this empowerment transforms lives: “When
you can dress well, you face life with confidence, whether you’re heading to a job interview, going to church, or simply navigating everyday life.”
“This is what empowerment looks like… When you can dress well, you face life with confidence…” –Linda Lannan
Each story that unfolds at The Clothing Center adds another layer to the circle of goodness Linda and the other volunteers have helped foster. As Linda puts it, “This article might be about me, but it’s really about the volunteers and the community. I’m just one part of the greater whole, and it’s the kindness of everyone involved that truly makes a difference.”
