A desire to make sure local children have food beyond the school day led Angie Scullion to create The Care Closet, Inc.

The 41-year-old is the nonprofit’s founder and executive director, working to provide food assistance to Lake County students and their families through a school-based program.

“I believe so deeply in ensuring that no child feels forgotten or goes without basic needs,” Angie says.

Her commitment to children and families has taken many forms over the years. Angie has been a Lake County foster parent, led motherhood support groups, worked as a teacher and currently serves her district on the Children’s Services Council of the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

Through The Care Closet, Angie says she has worked to create a safety net for local students and families while preserving dignity and building community.

In 2026, the organization will serve three local elementary schools.

“My goal has always been to show families that they are not alone and that their community truly cares about them,” she says.

One of the milestones Angie is most proud of is establishing a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank.

“The Care Closet was created to fill a unique gap — we are not a traditional food pantry, but a school-based program designed to provide consistent food support to students and their families beyond the school day,” Angie says.

She says becoming a Second Harvest partner validated the work the organization had already been doing and affirmed its processes, mission and commitment to serving families.

“It was a moment that showed me our small idea had grown into an organization truly making a lasting impact in our community,” she says.

The children served through the program continue to influence the way Angie approaches leadership.

“The greatest influence on my leadership journey has been the children we serve,” she says. “Their stories remind me every day why this work matters and pushes me to continue finding solutions.”

Her advice to future professionals and community leaders reflects the same willingness to act when a need becomes clear.

“You’ll never be ready — and that’s okay!” Angie says. “The biggest opportunities for impact often come from simply seeing a need and having the courage to say, ‘Someone should do something about this,’ and then realizing you can be that someone.”