SCRANTON, Pa. — Temperatures tumbling and snow falling are signs of the upcoming winter season, but some in our area don't have the garments necessary to keep warm. One center is stepping up to help those through a community initiative.
The Wright Center is a network of primary and preventative care offices across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Gerri McAndrew, the center's Director of Community Outreach and Engagement, explained that she had seen firsthand those who lack the necessities for cold weather.
That can change with just one visit to a community-owned closet.
"We have free clothing. We don't ask any questions. You are welcomed—we will hand you a bag, and you're able to fill what you want. And if you need another bag? Come and see us because we'll give you another bag," McAndrew said.
Community closets are devoid of stigma and rooted in the mission of closing the sustainability loop in the inherently wasteful fashion industry. According to the United Nations Environment Program, this results in nearly 100 million discarded garments finding their way into landfills each year and generates up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
As someone deeply concerned with the state of our environment and eager to promote new sustainable initiatives, especially in the fashion realm, this was incredibly inspiring.
Holly Przasnyski, Director of Patient and Community Engagement, focused on the Community Closet's aspect of reducing waste.
"We want to be able to help support our communities while saving our Earth," explained Przasnyski.
McAndrew is grateful for the community's generosity.
"We got a lot of donations from people who say, 'You know what? I have coats in my closet that I'm not wearing.' And we try to encourage people to donate them."
You can help stock the roving closet for anyone to take an outfit from without shame.
If you have clothing or housewares you'd like to donate to help people less fortunate, you can call any of the more than a dozen Wright Center facilities and ask for Gerri to set up an appointment to drop them off.
"We're expanding up here to Jefferson Township. We go to our Wilkes-Barre clinic. We are doing one in Honesdale and also up in Tunkhannock in February," Gerri added.
The next Community Closet will be held at the Jefferson Township Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 26th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.