The Caring Closet: A Beacon of Compassion and Community Support
By Deacon Sherry Williams
Our church has a treasure, not of gold or silver, but of compassion and kindness: The Caring Closet. You may have heard of it, but I want to tell you not just what it provides, but what impact it has on its volunteers and the community it serves. The Caring Closet represents more than just a place to find physical items; the joy that comes from making a difference in someone's life, even in the smallest of ways, is huge and is a reminder of the power of compassion and generosity. It’s an example of our church's commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ, and to becoming a Matthew 25 church. It shows that our church is not just a place of worship but actively engaged in our community.
The Closet operates on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM, Fridays from 2 PM to 5 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 12 PM; it offers an array of donated items, ranging from clothing to household essentials and laundry cards, free of charge. Some of the special projects we do are prom/homecoming dresses giveaway and the toy giveaway at Christmas. Wow! This thing has really taken off!
The Caring Closet is also a place of welcoming and fellowship, offering sack lunches with soup every Tuesday from 11 AM to 1 PM. The successful operation of The Caring Closet relies entirely on the generosity and involvement of our congregation and the wider community. Donations of gently used clothing, household items and other supplies are always welcome and appreciated. There are a lot of ways to contribute, whether through sorting donations, assisting patrons, or helping with lunches. We can always use the help!
The connections we are making; seeing and hearing people's needs, gratitude, and relief, sharing stories—and “oh, the stories I could tell,” binds us together. The Caring Closet is a true blessing, a space for care and support. My heart is full!
Finally, The Caring Closet is more than just a program; it shows our church's heart and commitment to stewardship and community action grounded in faith and love, by giving things new life and putting them in the hands of those in need. Please continue to support this critical ministry with your resources, your time, and most importantly, with your heart.