Claire's Closet

formerly H.O.P.E. Closet

Feb 26, 2026

Today, we are renaming our Hope Closet in honor of one of our former members whom we lost last year. Claire Martinet was a dedicated Spanish teacher at Phineas Banning High School, where she taught in the Banning High School CP Magnet Program.

Claire became an active member of A Needy Wilmington, participating in events such as Feeding the Needy on Thanksgiving and the Adopt a Pilot Program. She believed deeply in the dignity of every person and felt that our Thanksgiving event should be filled with warmth, color, and care. She took great pains to ensure the dining area was beautifully decorated, providing floral arrangements and table decorations at each table. Her goal was simple but powerful: to make sure every participant felt special while sharing a Thanksgiving meal, regardless of their circumstances. Because of Claire, our events truly shined.

Claire made it a point to be present in the dining area, engaging with people, listening to their stories, and making genuine connections. When the Adopt a Pilot Program needed delivery drivers and translators, she stepped in without hesitation. In our trusty 1990s Ford “soccer mom” van, we traveled throughout Wilmington delivering gifts and spreading Christmas cheer to our adopted pilots.

Claire’s empathy for the unhoused and the less fortunate knew no bounds. During COVID, when A Needy Wilmington continued feeding the unhoused behind the municipal building, Claire ensured we had monetary support, even though she could not be physically present with us on the streets. She was also a constant advocate, protesting for the rights of the marginalized and underserved. If she were here today, we know she would still be fighting passionately for the human rights of all people.

After COVID, the Banning CP Magnet Program experienced a decline in enrollment, resulting in staff displacements. Claire found herself no longer part of Banning, and she was deeply missed by all of us. We were devastated to hear of her passing.

In her honor, the members of A Needy Wilmington decided to rename our Hope Closet. This closet provides toiletries and snacks for Banning students in need something we know Claire would have supported wholeheartedly in any way she could. Today, we dedicate this space and proudly rename it Claire’s Closet, ensuring that her compassion, advocacy, and generosity will never be forgotten.

May our community continue to support Claire’s Closet and help provide for our pilots, just as Claire always did.