Every week from 25 to 30 people visit the clothing distribution center at the Richville Methodist Church to locate apparel for themselves and their children.
The site serves five counties. If someone in need of clothing calls 211 First Responders, they are referred to the Richville center. Other referrals come from community action councils, churches, food shelves, social services, and word of mouth. Volunteer Winnie Huwe says, Weve never turned anybody down.
Pastor Rod Tornquist says the clothing center was started simply because, We saw a need. The center began in 2001 distributing clothes from an 8 x 12 shed and moved to a 9 x 40 trailer as more donations were received (including the trailer). That soon became overcrowded. With the completion of a church addition in May of 2005, the center now occupies a spacious 70 x 25-foot area in the unfinished church basement. Huwe says, This is a mission our church took on and it just grew!
The center offers more than clothes. There are toys for children, bedding, and some kitchen items.
And its not all about tangible items. One of the volunteers says, Theres more here that takes place than just clothing; theres healing. Volunteers receive hugs and listen to clients stories, both good and bad. Candy Haspel says the volunteers often cry and sometimes, youre so happy that youre crying anyway. Volunteers feel a special reward when clients return to thank them and provide an update on the positive turn their lives have taken.
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The site is run by from 4 to 10 volunteers. They sort and display the donated clothing. If needed, they launder the items on site using a donated washer and dryer.
Huwe says donations have a way of turning up just when needed. A call went out for 99 clean winter coats and the FCCLA from New York Mills High School delivered 124. Many of them went to people in the area who had no warm clothing at all and others who wear them inside their unheated homes. At Christmas time childrens toys appeared. Many people also donate new items and cash. Right now the center has a need for lighting and carpet to finish the space. For their clients, they specifically need bedding, mens jeans, and baby clothes.
The center is open on Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 5 and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8. The phone number at the church is 346-5656.
