A community or church clothing closet is a way to offer gently used clothing to children and families who may be experiencing a difficult financial period. Imploring the help of the church youth can be a rewarding and learning experience for everyone. Once a generous supply of gently used clothing is available, various avenues may be utilized to seek those in need, such as consulting school counselors and the local Department of Social Services.
Instructions
Schedule a Meeting
1. Schedule a meeting to discuss initiating the church clothing closet and to determine the scale of the project. Try to schedule the same day or evening that other events are taking place at the church to ensure a decent turnout.
2. Announce the meeting through the church bulletin, website, email and word of mouth. Encourage all ages to attend. Often, younger kids have great ideas that just need the help of an adult to be put into motion.
3. Brainstorm during the meeting to resolve the following issues: where the clothing will be stored, who will be the project leader, who can volunteer, what storage materials are needed, when the clothing closet will be open to the public and how requests will be made for donations.
Organize Storage Area for Clothing
4. Set up shelves and rods for storing clothes.
5. Designate space in the storage area for children's clothing, women's clothing and men's clothing. If space permits, separate clothing items to include baby clothing as well as categorizing clothing by size.
6. Organize the storage area to accommodate non-clothing items, such as blankets and bedding.
7. Determine an area to keep supplies (hangars, plastic bags, shoe boxes, clothing detergent and dryer sheets).
Donated Clothing
8. Washing may be necessary of all donations prior to placing items in the clothing closet. Volunteers can do this on a rotational basis.
9. Mending or repairing articles may be necessary if repairs are to be minor and volunteers are willing and able. Otherwise, clothing in need of repairs should be excluded and removed from the clothing closet.
10. Sort items according to gender/size and place in the clothing closet.
11. Store seasonal clothing in plastic containers with lids.
Tags: clothing closet, clothing closet, church clothing closet, gently used, gently used clothing, used clothing
