Open Closet offers people help, hope
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
What began as a once a year church bazaar to raise money for kids going to camp, now clothes and blesses people every month.
Paula Johnston credits Pastor Doug Rohrer and his wife Sherri for coming up with the idea for Open Closet during his time at the church between 2010 -2014.
“Doug Rohrer and his wife suggested that everything be given away for free by collecting donations,” said Paula Johnston.
Lisa Constant and Johnston then started the Open Closet at New Life Family Church to bless others with clothing, bedding, dishes, housewares, and other emergency items during times of need.
“I do a lot of the behind the scene work,” said Johnston, “It’s a big outreach for the church.”
Over 15 years later, the Open Closet continues to welcome people the second Saturday of each month from 8-11 a.m. at New Life Family Church. The next Open Closet event will be held Saturday, December 14.
Thanks to an abundance of donations they receive from community members, everything is offered at no cost, so they can serve people who may not may not have the means to buy necessary items.
A donation jar collects free-will offerings, which is then used to purchase emergency closet items.
People who find themselves homeless, displaced, or starting over after a fire or other catastrophe can get an emergency supply of laundry soap, personal hygiene items, toiletries, diapers, brushes, and other items through Open Closet.
Barb Baker began helping Cheryl Roach prepare and organize donated items five years ago. Now, Barb is leading two other volunteers in preparing for the monthly event.
“I feel outreach is my calling and that’s one way I can do it,” says Baker, “I’m helping others.”
Around 5-6 volunteers, including Pastor Paul Chishala’s son, help with a variety of needs during the Open Closet event. From assisting people search for specific items, bagging things up or entertaining kids, everyone takes an active role in helping others.
Roughly 30 people, including single adults, pregnant women, and families with children seek out the Open Closet every month, and volunteers see new faces each time.
Johnston and other volunteers also pray with people and connect them with other resources like MATURA Neighborhood Center, Ringgold County Ministerial Association, and other community organizations.
“The joy you see in people’s faces, the hugs, they are so thankful you’re able to help them,” said Johnston, “I was there to help a lady from Murray, she was so grateful.”
Volunteers do take names and phone numbers of people who are looking for specific items so they can contact them if they receive things matching special needs.
Clean, gently used bedding, blankets, and clothing without holes or stains, kitchen essentials, housewares, books and toys can be donated to New Life Family Church.
Presently, warm clothes for babies and kids including coats and other winter wear and are in high demand, along with blankets and warm clothing for people of all sizes.
Due to limited space, furniture donations are not accepted, as all items are housed in a white shed behind New Life Family Church in between Open Closet events.
Clothing with skulls, cross bones, alcohol, drug or devil references are not accepted by Open Closet, and can be passed along to other organizations.
While they try not to throw anything away, ripped clothing or items with holes are set aside and picked up by others who use them for rags or to patch clothes.
Overflow or out of season items are sent to Cross Ministries in Osceola to make room for items that meet immediate seasonal needs.
For more information about Open Closet or New Life Family Church, contact Pastor Paul Chisala at 641-464-6137.
