Binghamton's Katie's Closet Reopens After Major Renovation

The free clothing pantry in memory of a local woman has a new look and expanded services.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Christ Episcopal Church in Binghamton, New York has rededicated and blessed Katie's Clothing Closet, a free clothing pantry named in memory of local resident Katie Brundage. The closet recently underwent a major overhaul with new shelving, flooring, lighting, and a fresh paint job. Last year, Katie's Closet served over 800 individuals in need of clothing, most of it donated by the church's parishioners.

Why it matters

The renovation of Katie's Closet highlights the church's commitment to serving the local community and honoring the legacy of Katie Brundage, who was known for her kind heart and work with the developmentally disabled. The expanded services, including the launch of Immediate Need Bags for recently released inmates, demonstrate the church's efforts to address a range of community needs.

The details

The rededication ceremony was held on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Father Scott Parnell spoke about Lent being a time to reflect on mortality and the call to serve one's neighbors. The closet is named after Katie Brundage, who grew up at Christ Church, graduated from Binghamton High School and Binghamton University, and was working with the developmentally disabled when she died of a drug overdose in 2016 at the age of 30. Her parents, Jerry and Melody Brundage, wanted a fitting memorial to their daughter's legacy of service and fashion sense.

  • The rededication and blessing of Katie's Clothing Closet took place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Last year, in 2025, Katie's Closet served 808 separate individuals in need of clothing.

The players

Christ Episcopal Church

A church in Binghamton, New York that houses the Katie's Clothing Closet, a free clothing pantry.

Katie Brundage

A Binghamton woman who was known for her kind heart and work with the developmentally disabled. The clothing closet is named in her memory.

Jerry and Melody Brundage

The parents of Katie Brundage, who wanted a fitting memorial to their daughter's legacy of service and fashion sense.

Father Scott Parnell

The priest at Christ Episcopal Church who spoke about the significance of the rededication ceremony taking place on Ash Wednesday.

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What they’re saying

“Lent is a season when we come and reflect on one, our mortality, but two, how we are called as people of God to meet our neighbors where they are, to serve them with full hearts and to see and restore human dignity to all people.”

— Father Scott Parnell, Priest (binghamtonhomepage.com)

“Katie's Closet brings together two of Katie's greatest joys, which were serving the underserved and fashion. She loved fashion, and she loved to help people out. So, we're very thankful to Christ Church for allowing us to use this space and have the closet and all the support they've given us.”

— Melody Brundage, Katie Brundage's mother (binghamtonhomepage.com)

What’s next

Christ Church also announced the launch of its newest initiative, Immediate Need Bags for recently released inmates. The church is working with the Broome County Sheriff's Office to provide people getting out of jail with a bag full of personal hygiene products, as well as information on where to receive services.

The takeaway

The renovation and rededication of Katie's Closet demonstrates the church's commitment to serving the local community and honoring the legacy of a beloved community member. By expanding services to include support for recently released inmates, the church is taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs of the underserved in Binghamton.