The Clothing Closet
No Plan: Just a Heart for God and People
It is noon on a Monday, time for The Clothing Closet to open. About a dozen people are waiting to enter the building. Some early arrivals find their way to the food pantry and quickly load up on fresh vegetables and fruit, dry goods, and ready-to-eat meals; others disperse through the racks of clothes and household goods, hoping to find what they need.
Over the next three hours, a steady stream of people will enter the building. Hundreds of items of clothing, bags of food, and an array of household items will make their way out of the building and into the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.
The Clothing Closet is deceptive in name. It began in a small church classroom at New Life at the Well, a Lutheran Brethren congregation in Mount Vernon, Washington. But after fifteen years of ministry, it encompasses the lower floor of the church. It looks like a clothing thrift store, but that, too, is deceptive. It really is a demonstration of God’s heart touching lives in tangible ways.
In starting The Clothing Closet, we had no master plan or budget. With some clothes and one small room, we set a time to be open, not knowing if anyone would find us. A “Free Clothes” sign was put by the door, and little by little, the news spread by word of mouth.
So it began: We had a room, some clothes, and an idea from God.
…I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me. —Matthew 25:35-36, MSG
We put the word out for donations. Our main supplier was a man with a passion for clothing ministry. He had connections with thrift stores and would pick up what was left from garage sales in the area. To this day, he is on constant alert for sources of clothes. Thankful for God’s provision, we gave freely. Clearly, God was leading, and it was dazzlingly messy.
Over the years, one room became two rooms, and then three rooms—men’s, women’s, and children’s. The COVID pandemic shut down our community meal ministry, freeing additional floor space. The Clothing Closet expanded into the fellowship hall as more donations rolled in and an ever-increasing number of people sought help.
Angelica’s Story
We always wanted to build relationships with people who came through our door. As we looked to make meaningful connections, we realized it was already happening, just not how we expected. Some are excited to see that it is not only a place to receive, but they can donate and help out too.
We don’t feel comfortable talking about specific individuals, except for Angelica who is already in heaven. Angelica was one that was drawn to those of us who were working. She started helping us as we sorted clothes, and she enjoyed the camaraderie. The way we cared for people with kindness and grace made an impression on her. We enjoyed many good times listening to her funny stories as we watched her faith grow and deepen. She chose us as her friends and had a sense of belonging long before she ventured upstairs on Sunday mornings. She challenged us with questions in Sunday School and was always there early for extra time to visit. We loved her so much and miss her dearly. She is with Jesus now.
A Community Resource Expressing God’s Love
Local Review:
“The best clothing resource in Skagit County! I have been going to The Well since last winter. The casual atmosphere, the wonderful ladies who graciously make the ‘basement-style’ clothing closet an absolute joy to visit! …It was such a pleasure to find this jewel where one can literally walk in from any walk of life and no questions asked, assuming the visitors are in need, can just begin choosing clothes. The lovely ladies are always available to answer questions, to help you find items, bag them up, and see that you’re on your way with as much clothing as you need ...Thank you to all of the volunteers and keep doing what you do so well!” Love and gratitude. —Lissa
Fifteen years have passed since The Clothing Closet started opening at noon on Mondays (and by appointment). It is still a work of God, done in God’s way. Thanks to God’s grace, The Clothing Closet has now become a significant resource in our community. Throughout the week, bags of clothing and boxes of household items are left at the door, and while we don’t always know the donors, they know us. Our shared compassion for people brings us together and touches lives.
As fast as donations come in, they go out. Social agencies send us individuals and families who have lost everything to help them restart their lives. Food agencies fill our pantry with groceries.
One December, we witnessed a heartwarming scene where a brother and sister were hiding gifts they had found for each other in The Clothing Closet. This inspired us to do more for families during Christmas. We began sorting out donations that were of gift quality for a Free Christmas Bazaar. The church sanctuary is transformed into a beautiful Christmas bazaar, complete with a gift-wrapping station and photo booth.
Throughout the year, good quality school clothes are set aside for Back-To-School Blessing, an event where we join other Christians and social agencies to give away hundreds of backpacks, food, and thousands of items of school clothing.
When it’s closed, The Clothing Closet may resemble other thrift stores, but it’s much more than that. As a church, we aim to embody the Spirit of Christ through our dedicated volunteers, who serve with a welcoming heart, offer prayer, and lend a compassionate ear to those needing support and guidance. We have many opportunities to encourage and listen. This opens the door for people to witness how faith works and allows us to share how God has worked in our own lives. We do this clothed by the Holy Spirit.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. —Colossians 3:12-14, MSG
Rev. Keith and Cindy Luna serve New Life at the Well in Mount Vernon, Washington.
It is noon on a Monday, time for The Clothing Closet to open. About a dozen people are waiting to enter the building. Some early arrivals find their way to the food pantry and quickly load up on fresh vegetables and fruit, dry goods, and ready-to-eat meals; others disperse through the racks of clothes and household goods, hoping to find what they need.
Over the next three hours, a steady stream of people will enter the building. Hundreds of items of clothing, bags of food, and an array of household items will make their way out of the building and into the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.
The Clothing Closet is deceptive in name. It began in a small church classroom at New Life at the Well, a Lutheran Brethren congregation in Mount Vernon, Washington. But after fifteen years of ministry, it encompasses the lower floor of the church. It looks like a clothing thrift store, but that, too, is deceptive. It really is a demonstration of God’s heart touching lives in tangible ways.
In starting The Clothing Closet, we had no master plan or budget. With some clothes and one small room, we set a time to be open, not knowing if anyone would find us. A “Free Clothes” sign was put by the door, and little by little, the news spread by word of mouth.
So it began: We had a room, some clothes, and an idea from God.
…I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me. —Matthew 25:35-36, MSG
We put the word out for donations. Our main supplier was a man with a passion for clothing ministry. He had connections with thrift stores and would pick up what was left from garage sales in the area. To this day, he is on constant alert for sources of clothes. Thankful for God’s provision, we gave freely. Clearly, God was leading, and it was dazzlingly messy.
Over the years, one room became two rooms, and then three rooms—men’s, women’s, and children’s. The COVID pandemic shut down our community meal ministry, freeing additional floor space. The Clothing Closet expanded into the fellowship hall as more donations rolled in and an ever-increasing number of people sought help.
Angelica’s Story
We always wanted to build relationships with people who came through our door. As we looked to make meaningful connections, we realized it was already happening, just not how we expected. Some are excited to see that it is not only a place to receive, but they can donate and help out too.
We don’t feel comfortable talking about specific individuals, except for Angelica who is already in heaven. Angelica was one that was drawn to those of us who were working. She started helping us as we sorted clothes, and she enjoyed the camaraderie. The way we cared for people with kindness and grace made an impression on her. We enjoyed many good times listening to her funny stories as we watched her faith grow and deepen. She chose us as her friends and had a sense of belonging long before she ventured upstairs on Sunday mornings. She challenged us with questions in Sunday School and was always there early for extra time to visit. We loved her so much and miss her dearly. She is with Jesus now.
A Community Resource Expressing God’s Love
Local Review:
“The best clothing resource in Skagit County! I have been going to The Well since last winter. The casual atmosphere, the wonderful ladies who graciously make the ‘basement-style’ clothing closet an absolute joy to visit! …It was such a pleasure to find this jewel where one can literally walk in from any walk of life and no questions asked, assuming the visitors are in need, can just begin choosing clothes. The lovely ladies are always available to answer questions, to help you find items, bag them up, and see that you’re on your way with as much clothing as you need ...Thank you to all of the volunteers and keep doing what you do so well!” Love and gratitude. —Lissa
Fifteen years have passed since The Clothing Closet started opening at noon on Mondays (and by appointment). It is still a work of God, done in God’s way. Thanks to God’s grace, The Clothing Closet has now become a significant resource in our community. Throughout the week, bags of clothing and boxes of household items are left at the door, and while we don’t always know the donors, they know us. Our shared compassion for people brings us together and touches lives.
As fast as donations come in, they go out. Social agencies send us individuals and families who have lost everything to help them restart their lives. Food agencies fill our pantry with groceries.
One December, we witnessed a heartwarming scene where a brother and sister were hiding gifts they had found for each other in The Clothing Closet. This inspired us to do more for families during Christmas. We began sorting out donations that were of gift quality for a Free Christmas Bazaar. The church sanctuary is transformed into a beautiful Christmas bazaar, complete with a gift-wrapping station and photo booth.
Throughout the year, good quality school clothes are set aside for Back-To-School Blessing, an event where we join other Christians and social agencies to give away hundreds of backpacks, food, and thousands of items of school clothing.
When it’s closed, The Clothing Closet may resemble other thrift stores, but it’s much more than that. As a church, we aim to embody the Spirit of Christ through our dedicated volunteers, who serve with a welcoming heart, offer prayer, and lend a compassionate ear to those needing support and guidance. We have many opportunities to encourage and listen. This opens the door for people to witness how faith works and allows us to share how God has worked in our own lives. We do this clothed by the Holy Spirit.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. —Colossians 3:12-14, MSG
Rev. Keith and Cindy Luna serve New Life at the Well in Mount Vernon, Washington.
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