Leechburg church sponsors clothing ministry once per month
Everybody loves a bargain, and the newly remodeled Clothing Closet at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Leechburg wants your business.
This clothing ministry is much like shopping at your local thrift store, offering neat racks of clothes — categorized by size and gender.
Clothing Closet hosted a Service of Dedication open house May 2 at its new location, officiated by Pastor Jim Arter.
At one time open only twice a year, the Clothing Closet will now open monthly — on the third Saturday of every month. All items are priced at 20 cents. Individuals with an emergency need may select clothing free of charge.
“No one should be embarrassed in this day and age to find a good bargain — why pay full price?” says Doreen Smeal, a church volunteer. “The quality of clothing is very good. We have some items with the tags still on.”
When Allyson Mitchell, a church member, had to abruptly close her consignment business in 2011, she donated eight bags of clothing to the church.
This sparked an outreach program called Clothing Closet, which launched in 2012.
Lacking a permanent location, the Clothing Closet was basically housed in the social hall of the church sanctuary.
“This didn't work logistically,” says Janice King, church secretary and chairwoman of Clothing Closet. “It took us a week to get all of the clothes out, and a week to put them all away twice a year, and the clothes were stored away and not organized.”
Located in the parish house basement, this new permanent location was recently painted, remodeled and installed with custom racks — all compliments of Alex Klazon, a church member. Klazon, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 554 of Slate Lick, chose the remodeling project as his Eagle Scout project.
“God has provided for this ministry, and we have had smooth sailing with all aspects,” Arter says. “Now that we have our shop finished when a need arises, we can open and be there in an emergency to help anyone who needs clothes.”
As an example, King says. “Recently, we had a lady visit who had lost her home in a fire and she selected clothes.”
The shop is open to the public, and church volunteers inspect, sort and only sell clothes in excellent condition. Clothing sizes range from newborn to plus sizes.
“Anyone with any need is welcome; we don't ask someone their income level,” King says.
Six to eight church volunteers will staff the shop, and only cash is accepted.
The church welcomes all donations of clothes; donations of children's clothing are most needed.
“People can donate to Clothing Closet and keep their donations local in our community,” Smeal says.
Bagged donated clothing may be dropped off at the parish front porch.
Joyce Hanz is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.
