Clothing Giveaway at St. Stephen Church benefits more than 100 residents

143

Marlea Dutt gives a stuffed animal frog to a shopper for his grandson. Several dozen donated stuffed animal frogs were given for a child or grandchild to shoppers at the free clothing giveaway. Photo/submitted
Marlea Dutt gives a stuffed animal frog to a shopper for his grandson. Several dozen donated stuffed animal frogs were given for a child or grandchild to shoppers at the free clothing giveaway.
Photo/submitted

Marlborough – Thousands of items of gently used clothing and accessories flew off the racks, tables, and chairs where they were displayed at the Clothing Giveaway at Saint Stephen Lutheran Church, in Marlborough April 26-28. On April 26, 33 people referred by at least 13 area social service agencies came to get the first chance to make their selections. Since several people were shopping for others, including one with a list of 12 recipients, it is estimated that 55-60 people benefitted from the event that day.

Nearly 70 people came during the public hours April 28, and about two-thirds of them came in the first half hour or before. Committee members estimate that 30 people were waiting outside up to half an hour before the doors opened at 10 a.m. Shoppers left with bags of clothing in very good to excellent condition, as well as purses, jewelry, scarves and shoes. Some brought their families, and others shopped for friends and neighbors near and far, from Marlborough to Lithuania and Ghana.

This was the 10th Clothing Giveaway sponsored by St. Stephen Church. Seasonal clothing is offered for free twice a year, typically in April and November. For the past few giveaways, committee members who are also members of Thrivent, a financial services company, have been able to obtain seed money through the Thrivent Action Team initiative. Along with donations, this is used to fund the event, and has included the purchase of clothing racks, storage containers, and packages of underwear for men, women and children, distributed at the event.

For more information about the church, visit www.saintstephenlutheran.com or the church’s Facebook page.

No posts to display