“We live in a very generous community!” Those are the sentiments of the volunteers who serve at the Clothes Closet run by Valley Brook Community Church at 160 Granville Road.
In 2015 after volunteering at the Salvation Army with her daughters, Donna Crombez was inspired to start a ministry at her church. Crombez said, “I felt led to start a ministry through the collection and distribution of surplus clothing for those facing clothing insecurity and alleviate some of their financial burden and allowing the allocation of limited resources to other essential needs.” So, in 2016 Crombez began collecting lovingly used clothing donated by the church and the community—Valley Brook’s Clothes Closet was begun.
The vision for the Clothes Closet is to bless people who for one reason or another need clothing and can’t afford to go shopping. Donations include clothing for all ages and gender, plus shoes and clothing accessories. At each event the clothing is displayed by size and gender as you would find in any department store. Clothes Closet patrons are encouraged to browse and shop just as they would in a retail store with one exception, no money is required.
This ministry would not exist without volunteers—whether it’s sorting the donated items, delivering items to other service organizations, working with individuals who by appointment come to get clothing for their families or others in need. Those volunteers estimate on a normal day that about 2,800 pounds of clothing is given away.
As the Clothes Closet has grown over the years it has helped families who lost all their clothing in house fires. It has provided winter clothing for local residents at the Waste Not Want Not Community Kitchen and for immigrants who have moved to New England.
Several years ago, Crombez and the crew of volunteers took racks of clothing “on the road” and gave away clothes at an event sponsored by a ministry called The Hartford Project. Recently, the Clothes Closet blessed the ABC Women’s Center, a crisis pregnancy ministry in Middletown, by donating infant clothing to the center.
When asked what her dream was for the Clothes Closet, Crombez said, “I hope to develop partnerships and network with social service organizations and community centers, while continuing to directly provide clothing to individuals who visit the Clothes Closet. Most importantly, to ensure that clothing reaches those who need it the most, providing them with warmth, comfort and a sense of dignity.” The Clothes Closet is open for shopping from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month through November. It can also be opened by appointment for emergency needs.
The ministry is grateful to the people of Granby and surrounding communities who so generously donate bags of clothing, from newborn to adult, shoes, pocketbooks and other clothing- related items. Donations of lovingly- used clothing and clothing accessories can be dropped off on any day in the small shed behind the church, but—please—only donate clothing items.
For more information about the Clothes Closet or to volunteer, contact the team at clothescloset@valleybrook.cc