LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — A table full of clothes can be found inside the Lock Haven Salvation Army on East Church Street. The clothes are for the organization's Closet of Care.
"We take donations the last week of every single month. Unfortunately, we have no storage to be able to take them other times throughout the month, so people just bring down their useable clothing that they don't need anymore, and then the last Friday, we set up all the tables by categories—women's, children's, men's, we have shoes," said Kirsten McKinney Salvation Army afterschool director.
The Lock Haven Salvation Army started the Closet of Care after their thrift store on Main Street closed due to the building needing $70,000 in repairs.
"We also were able to offer furniture and household items, vouchers, and we're hoping in the future that we're able to take in more donations than just the clothing, to still be able to offer those services as well," said McKinney.
The first hour of the closet is open to local agencies in the area if they know someone who is in need of clothing. McKinney says that during the closet's opening last month, about 33 families came through. She also noticed there was a lack of men's and children's clothing.
"Women's, we had, I think, three or four tables full. Men's, we had like half a table. Children, I think we had one table, so the children seem to be the ones that a lot of people were looking for last month."
Those interested in donating clothing can drop items off from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this week. The Closet of Care will be open to area agencies this Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.