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With the official arrival of autumn, the Moravian Clothes Pantry returns this month to host its monthly free clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, October 19, at the Moravian Church, located at 202 Main St., in Hope.

As cool nights herald cold weather is around the corner, this month’s pantry has coats and winter gear galore, says pantry organizer Linda Foote.

“Anyone who needs a coat for the winter, please come,” Foote says. “It may sound a bit early, but as retailers are putting out their winterwear, there’s no better time than now.”

In addition to winter clothes, the pantry will have a variety of clothing for children, men and women. And everything is FREE, Foote says.

Offering a gentle reminder, Foote encourages those who need immediate assistance between closet offerings to call her anytime.

As always, a donation box is 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," Foote 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 pantry was held nearly two years ago, it helped 15 individuals. Now, it is regularly assisting more than 100 individuals with each pantry, including dozens of families.

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

“We could really use a Spanish interpreter,” Foote says. "We can also always use someone who wants to pitch in. We are getting new people all the time, which is nice; it means the word is getting around about what we are doing."

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