When a family in Chester lost their home to a fire in early March, The Clothing Closet at Vision Community Church was able to provideclothing and other necessities completely free of charge.

Dressed in the business attire the wife chose from the shelves and tables piled with like-new clothes, she was able to go on a job interview. And she got the job!

When Harrison Cullen, a Warwick Valley 7th grader, volunteered to help at The Clothing Closet right before Christmas, he got to experience the sheer joy of giving, stating, “ To see the faces of the kids light up when they got their presents was amazing.”

When Sharon Scott, The Clothing Closet coordinator, asked a 5 year old boy who was looking around at all the winter coats if he would like one, he replied: “No thank-you. I have a coat. But can I have a pair of gloves for my brother? He doesn’t have any, and his hands are always cold.”

These are just some of the stories from The Clothing Closet, Warwick’s new clothing bank. Families in need have been welcome to “shop” for what they need during the Warwick Community Kitchen, but it became evident the need for clothing, shoes and housewares was ongoing and being open once a month was inadequate.

In response, the Clothing Bank will have a “grand opening” on Sunday, April 22nd from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Pine Island Elementary School parking lot, School House Road, Pine Island, New York.

Then the Clothing Closet will be open the 1st & 3rd Saturday of every month at the Pine Island Elementary School, from 10am -1pm.

Although the clothing bank began as a winter coat drive, “The response from the Warwick community was overwhelming,” said Scott. “Soon we were able to offer clothing, shoes, books and toys. Anyone who has a need is welcome to come and take what they can use.”

Volunteers are welcomed both for sorting items on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, and to help run the Clothing Bank during operating hours.

In order to support The Clothing Closet , Vision will be opening The Hope Chest, a boutique that will carry like-new designer clothing, housewares, hand-made items, jewelry, and other goods. In addition to gently used merchandise, The Hope Chest will offer an array of services that are donated by the community. 100% of the proceeds from
The Hope Chest go to the support of The Clothing Closet and Vision Community Church for operating costs. It is open to the community during the same hours as the clothing bank.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off during the hours of operation at Vision Community Church in the old Pine Island School, 20 School House Road, Pine Island.