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New and gently used clothing donations accepted

New Life Christian Church in Albert Lea is starting a new mission it hopes will be a resource for people in need.

Called Christ’s Closet, the effort allows people to shop free of charge for new and gently used clothing donated by others in the community. And while they are at the church, people can also have a light meal and a snack.

Jennifer Mitchell, wife of the church’s pastor, Brian Mitchell, said the idea originated at their former church in Oklahoma where they lived before moving to Albert Lea last year.

“We wanted to be out in the community,” she said. “This was something that was a huge blessing for our former church.”

She said it provided a great way for the church’s members to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.

In addition to providing the clothing and meals, the church will also have coloring pages and possibly a video for children to watch to help parents who may come in with young children.

Christ’s Closet will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 1 and will continue the first Saturday of each month at the same time. Starting out, people can pick out two outfits when the closet is open, but that may expand once the church gets more clothing.

Ryan Shea, a church member who is helping with the project, said he and others hope it will fill a need and show Christ’s love to people in the community. He and others in the congregation will help with the project, whether it’s donating clothing, sorting the clothing or volunteering on the day of the open closets.

People who want to donate clothing to the cause are asked to drop off donations at the church, at 1705 S.E. Marshall St., on the day of the open closets. Hats, gloves, coats and belts will also be accepted. If the monthly time does not work for someone, they are asked to call the church at 373-0814 to arrange another time to drop off items. They can also make arrangements for items to be picked up.

Likewise, Mitchell said if someone needs clothing in between the monthly open closets, they should reach out to the church.

“It’s about building relationships with the community,” said Brian Mitchell

Donations must be freshly laundered and be new or gently used. Any undergarments donated must be new in the package.

“We’re hoping that it can benefit the community and that as word spreads, more and more people will be willing to donate clothing to the project so it can grow,” Shea said.