Submitted by Becky Rice
(July 26, 2023) — Since the last article we submitted about the Community Closet, located at 11 Jail Hill Rd in Haddam, we have been happily bombarded with donations from the many caring people in our community looking to make a difference. To recap the points of last month’s article, donating gently used clothing benefits others in our town (and nearby towns) and donating over-worn or unusable clothing and textiles benefits Haddam’s fuel bank, because we get paid by tonnage for all the textiles that get recycled.
Already, we can tell that if the donations keep coming at the rate they are now, we are on track to at least double last year’s Fuel Bank funds from this source. That is wonderful news to those who may need help with their fuel bill this coming winter. Thank you to all of you who have donated and choose to do so in the future, and we appreciate your continued support.
The uptick in clothing, shoes and accessory donations means that due to space restrictions, we must be more selective in the clothing we keep for re-use. In other words: please come and shop! We encourage anyone, no special need is required, to come and have a look. In particular, we have many baby and children’s clothes that are in excellent condition, and gentlemen, we have pants, shirts and shorts galore in big and tall sizes, as well.
Our collection of winter coats is growing, and we are starting a section with sports clothing for kids. This may be bodysuits and ballet slippers for gymnastics or dancing school, karate uniforms, cleats, etc. We welcome more of that kind of item, which are normally so expensive, especially considering that oftentimes a child may decide he or she doesn’t like that activity, only after you’ve spent all that money on the gear!
Maybe you have an office job, and can use a few more button up shirts, or dress pants, or a blazer? We want to stress that there are no eligibility requirements at this time to come and “shop” at the Community Closet. The clothing is absolutely free, no questions asked, but we will have a donation box mounted at the exit for those who would like to give something for the clothing they pick out.
All donations will go directly to the Haddam Fuel Bank. The only thing we ask is that you take clothing for yourself to wear or for someone you know, because these items are not intended for resale. They are lovingly donated with the intention of benefiting those who need them.
The Community Closet opening hours are Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
