MIDDLEBURY — The Congregational Church of Middlebury is seeking donations of children’s clothing that it will organize and offer for free during a Saturday, Oct. 24, event in the church’s fellowship hall at 2 Main St.
This is the fifth year that the church will be offering the free children’s clothing event, part of the congregation’s ongoing effort to make sure local kids are able to stay warm and properly clad throughout the winter and into spring.
Members of the church’s Board of Christian Development, led by Jennifer Smith, reasoned that many families are looking to get rid of good clothes that their children might have outgrown. It would be a shame to see such clothes end up in a Dumpster, she noted.
“We thought, ‘Let’s help people in our community who could use these clothes,’” Smith said.
The event is being organized with low-income families in mind, but Smith stressed that anyone can visit and sample from the free clothes.
Organizers are seeking clean, gently worn clothes that fit children from birth to adult sizes (for high schoolers). Donors should not drop off anything damaged or that bears any inappropriate language or imagery.
Shoes, coats and other outerwear will also be gratefully received, according to Smith.
“Last year, the best feeling I got was seeing 10 to 15 winter coats get snatched up,” Smith said, knowing that some kids had been going to school wearing little protection from the elements.
Donations can be dropped off at the church on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., or on the day of the event, Smith said. People will be able to make their clothing selections from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday.
Members of the church’s senior youth group (grades 9 through 12) will play a key role in coordinating the event, from set-up to cleanup. The teen volunteers will also help folks select from the clothing.
Any remaining clothes will be packed up and given to Helping Overcome Poverty’s Effects, a local nonprofit that assists people in need.
Reporter John Flowers is at [email protected].