February 12, 2024 at 11:15 a.m.
With each passing month, the Moravian Clothes Closet is increasing its reach and organizer Linda Foote and her army of volunteers couldn’t be happier.
“We had an awesome Saturday,” says organizer Linda Foote. “Like, a record-breaker of 118 people came to the closet, and I was so excited.”
Last month, including area outreach efforts to individuals in surrounding locales, the closet's efforts served more than 100 people, Foote says.
Before the closet was set to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday there were already people gathered and waiting for the doors at the Moravian Church gymnasium to open.
As Foote and her volunteers welcomed everyone it was just a matter of a couple of hours and the closet went from four tables of clothing for babies and kids down to one.
“Within the first hour I’d say about 60 or 70 people had come,” Foote says. “It feels good to know we are helping people.”
Suffice to say, the closet is now very much in need of spring and summer baby and kids’ clothes – for both boys and girls – Foote says.
In addition to gathering donations from area residents, Foote is also working with consignment shops in Columbus that are also now offering donations, she says.
“God helps us in many ways,” Foote says. “We’ve gotten so much help from the church.”
Each Sunday, church members help Foote by laundering collected donations for the following week’s closet, she says. At the time of the writing of this article, Foote has nearly two dozen people who help to make each month’s closet a reality, she says.
As more people are helped each month, Foote says the closet will continue to stay the course as organizers continue to expand their outreach and service, she says.
Due to upcoming events at the Moravian Church, the closet will remain monthly, but the day of each closet will fluctuate, Foote notes.
Upcoming closets will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 23, April 27 and May 18.
Next month will offer the rollout of summer items, including shorts, sandals, etc…, Foote says.
** Those who would like to assist with the closet are encouraged to contact Foote directly at 812-560-5943.