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The Moravian Clothes Closet returns to the Hope Moravian Church, located at 202 Main St. in Hope, for its free monthly clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, December 16.

After being on hiatus last month, organizer Linda Foote says she's excited to be back and is bringing a few surprises. 

"We are going to serve hot chocolate and cookies this month," she says. 

Those who attend the closet will also receive a hand-crafted Christmas ornament made by Foote to take home. 

The most recent closet, which was held in October, serviced more than 90 individuals in the county, including more than 60 families, Foote says. 

The closet features an abundance of clothing for children, men and women. And everything is free. However, as colder temperatures take hold, Foote says the closet is especially in need of winter clothes and coats -- namely, for kids. 

Foote keeps a box positioned on the north side of the church for donation drop-offs and the entrance for the clothing drive is there, as well. 

"When you come in that side, you will see the donation box there," she says. "There will be kids outside with signs letting people know where to come in." 

She added that it is not just the church helping out but, by donating, area residents are helping to meet the needs of others and are being blessed themselves, too.

When the first closet was held one year ago, it helped 15 individuals. Now, it is assisting nearly 100, including dozens of families. 

As the closet continues to grow, Foote is always open to additional help, she says. 

"We can always use someone who wants to pitch in," she says. "We are getting new people all the time, which is nice; it means the word is getting around about what we are doing."

** Individuals, churches or organizations who would like to volunteer to help out are encouraged to contact Linda Foote at 812-560-5943.