Volunteers at the Clothes Closet are invited to join together in the name of Jesus Christ to serve those in need in our community. We provide them with clothing and bedding, most of it used. We gather, sort, shelve and hang items donated by local people. They are distributed free of charge to those who ask our help by filling out a card.
Items donated are treated as gifts from God through our community and are passed directly to those in need. Items deemed unsuitable, such as very worn items or those in need of cleaning, are bagged for donation to be given to other charitable organizations for refurbishing, recycling or discard. This may include items which are not items distributed by our ministry.
St. Patrick Church provides management and funding for the Clothes Closet. Other churches are invited to send persons in need to us as well as anyone wishing to donate items. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Sally Avery.
Workers are required to keep the names of our clients, known as ‘shoppers’, confidential to keep their needs private. We do not judge their financial status or their need to shop here. Confidentiality and charity are needed among the volunteers. Bring any situations and concerns to the person in charge or the coordinator for the day.
Volunteers should provide an atmosphere of welcoming and caring along with a large dose of patience. Our shoppers often have special needs or are in stressful situations. Everyone is entitled to courtesy and dignity in the spirit of Jesus while reinforcing policies put into place for the comfort and safety of everyone. Exceptions to be made are decided upon only by the person in charge that day.
The Clothes Closet is located in the Cantwell Hall (enter from Sacramento St). Operation and collections are Monday through Friday, except holidays, 9:00 am-12 :00 noon and can be reached by phone at 621-7773.