Meeting Needs One Family At A tIME
This blog post was written by Lola Doll, member at St. John, Mosinee and volunteer at the River of Hope Clothes Closet, run by River of Hope Parish in Marathon County.
River of Hope Clothes Closet received a “Courageous” grant from the Doing a New Thing Fund. The River of Hope Clothes Closet is a collaborative venture between Bethlehem Lutheran (Kronenwetter), Mt. Calvary Lutheran (Rothschild), and St. John Lutheran (Mosinee) who recently joined together to form River of Hope Ministries – ELCA. The Clothes Closet is currently housed at Mt. Calvary with an additional location at St. John.
The Clothes Closet housed at Mt. Calvary has existed for several years. The number of people served has increased each year. As the River of Hope Ministries - ELCA formed and more people volunteered at the Clothes Closet new ideas and needs were recognized. The granting enabled the Clothes Closet to be more efficient with the purchase of new storage totes, carts, and racks. The new banner which is easy to see from the street creates a welcoming entrance environment. More people are able to find the Clothes Closet and additional people are served by more easily taking clothing on the road especially to the homeless. Volunteering at the River of Hope Clothes Closet enables one to meet new people while serving neighbors in need.
On a cold morning this past winter while I was volunteering, a mom stopped by the River of Hope Clothes Closet with her little boy in need of warm clothing. Fortunately, a few minutes before another helper had brought in two bags of clean, quality clothing from the donation cart. The little boy was wearing a coat that was much too small. The cuff of the sleeves were at his elbows. He had neither a hat or mittens. I was sorting and tagging a selection of children’s clothing including winter coats from the first bag. While other volunteers were assisting the mom, I pulled out the perfect item for this little boy. A navy-blue hooded winter coat printed with dinosaurs in his size was simply perfect. His happiness was clear as mom zipped up the jacket, and his mother was pleased. Next, they were off to the bins of warm knit hats. Success again. On this Thursday, there were not any mittens for him. Mom was able to find some winter clothing for herself, as well.
As the mother and child browsed the clothing in the main room, I continued to sort this new contribution. It was amazing how these two bags of clothing had just been donated and already there was a client that benefitted from the contents. I was able to find a few more like new 3T items for them. The little boy continued to have a smile on his face and never removed his new winter coat. I think he really liked the dinosaur spikes on the hood.
At checkout time, other volunteers were chatting with the mom while they counted and bagged her items. She was pleased with the clothing and other items she had selected and was glad she had heard about the closet. She was most appreciative when I brought out another dozen items for her son from the recent donation. It is so rewarding to be able to help others with their basic needs and see people depart with a smile on their face. Gathering together with the other volunteers on Thursday morning and assisting with this much needed and important ministry is gratifying. The clients of the River of Hope Clothes Closet are very grateful.
The DaNT grant, together with Noisy Offerings, Thrivent Action Team Grants, plus personal donations, has helped provide clothing to those in need. Funds were used to buy and install a vinyl banner, print and post large flyers, build racks for hangers creating additional space, purchase rolling racks that fit in the trailer and purchase plastic totes for storing and transporting clothing.
