Zion's Closet Provides Warmth and Essentials to Atlanta Families in Need

Nonprofit organization steps up to support students and families as bitter cold hits the city

Jan. 29, 2026 at 4:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As dangerously cold temperatures settle across Atlanta, the nonprofit Love Beyond Walls is providing critical support through its community resource room, Zion's Closet, located inside Finch Elementary School. Zion's Closet offers families free access to essential items like clothing, food, hygiene products, and baby supplies to help them weather the bitter cold. With the growing need outpacing generosity, volunteers have been working to restock the shelves after supplies ran out quickly.

Why it matters

The resource center at Finch Elementary is a powerful example of how community care can make a life-changing difference for families in need. With recent challenges like the government shutdown increasing the demand, Zion's Closet is helping to bridge the gap and ensure students can focus on learning rather than worrying about basic necessities.

The details

Zion's Closet, managed by Terra Lamar, provides families with essential items free of charge, including clothing, food, hygiene products, and baby supplies. The resource room also offers access to a washer and dryer. Founder Terence Lester says the scale of demand has exceeded expectations, and volunteers have been working to restock the shelves. Lamar has seen an increase in families seeking assistance, especially due to the recent government shutdown.

  • Zion's Closet is located inside Finch Elementary School in southwest Atlanta.
  • Zion's Closet will open its fourth location in March at A. Philip Randolph Elementary in Fulton County.
  • Five additional schools are currently on the waitlist for a Zion's Closet resource center.

The players

Love Beyond Walls

A nonprofit organization that provides community resource rooms, including Zion's Closet, to support families in need.

Terence Lester

The founder of Love Beyond Walls, who says the scale of demand has exceeded expectations.

Terra Lamar

The manager of Zion's Closet at Finch Elementary, who sees the need firsthand every day.

Tara Spencer

The principal of Finch Elementary, who hopes the Zion's Closet resource center will continue to serve families even after the school moves to a new building.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're living in a time right now where need is outpacing generosity.”

— Terence Lester, Founder, Love Beyond Walls

“Especially with the cold, I've had students come with no jackets, no hat, no gloves. With this brutal cold, they need stuff, so I get them, bring them down here, and get them the things they need.”

— Terra Lamar, Manager, Zion's Closet at Finch Elementary

“Especially with the government shutdown, I've had families come in more frequently because they're struggling getting their services back. The food here helps bridge the gap where they can't.”

— Terra Lamar, Manager, Zion's Closet at Finch Elementary

“It's a struggle to show up in class and be asked to pay attention when you have on shorts, and it's winter or your stomach is growling.”

— Terence Lester, Founder, Love Beyond Walls

“Hopefully, this resource center will travel with us into the new building. So our parents will be able to walk or travel by car to get the resources that they need.”

— Tara Spencer, Principal, Finch Elementary

What’s next

Love Beyond Walls plans to expand the reach of Zion's Closet, with the fourth location opening in March at A. Philip Randolph Elementary in Fulton County. Five additional schools are currently on the waitlist for a Zion's Closet resource center.

The takeaway

Zion's Closet is a powerful example of how community-driven initiatives can make a tangible difference in the lives of families struggling with poverty and lack of access to essential resources, especially during times of crisis and hardship.