Marie Gomba is an active member of the Chesapeake Bay Area Ethel Gathering Group in Maryland, which has nearly 1,000 members. She also spearheaded the group's charity initiative known as Ethel's Closet. Through this initiative, members of the group collect items to donate to women and girls at a local recovery center. Find out more by watching the video and reading the Q&A below.
What's been your greatest challenge in starting Ethel’s Closet?
Small challenges, really, but Ethels are so new, I think some folks maybe were a little wary … as in, “Why haven’t I heard of your organization before?". But persistence paid off, and we developed an excellent relationship with Chrysalis House. In fact, our Dirty Ethels are doing monthly gardening in their Healing Garden, where mothers are learning to plant, grow and harvest their own food, when they are not in all-day classes and therapy. We support their efforts by weeding and tidying the beds. Who knows what other alliances we will form with them and other organizations in the future? The other small challenge was getting Ethels to shift from solely focusing on what we started with — personal hygiene supplies. While they are still needed, we wanted them to expand their gifting possibilities through the targeted wishlists, which they did.
Do you think you'll assist other charity organizations in the future?
Yes, we are partnering with our local YWCA, which sponsors a comprehensive domestic violence shelter and a safe house for teens to escape sex trafficking. I’ve asked Ethels in our more rural areas, on our Eastern Shore and in Southern Maryland, to begin identifying possible organizations that serve vulnerable women and children in their areas for us to adopt in 2026.
Will there be any special efforts over the holidays?
It's unclear right now … most of the charities have organizations that adopt them specifically for the holidays, so there is an avalanche of outpouring of support at that time of year. I see us more as filling in the gaps in between, when the need is great but the resources are slim.
How has Ethel's Closet impacted you personally?
In my professional life, I’ve been a clinician and, informally, an organizer, connecting people with each other and funneling resources from those who have something to give to those in need. So, personally, it’s been fulfilling to be able to continue this effort in my semi-retirement, especially when the need is so great and the future is uncertain. I look forward to our future giving!
Do you think the Ethels embody the spirit of AARP's Founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus?
Absolutely! We hope Ethel would be proud of what she birthed and what has flourished in her name.
To find a local Ethel group in your area, go here. Don't see one? Then please email aarpethel@aarp.org so we can help you get a group started.
October 16, 2025
