Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 9, 1995 TAG: 9503110004
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Dr. Esther Brown, the director, said she'd be glad to have me on Monday mornings any time from 9 to noon, when she and a handful of other folks sort the few household items and fold or hang up the hundreds of used garments that are donated annually.
Brown needs more volunteers at the clothing closet. On a given Monday, the volunteers vary in number from three to eight. Some previously have been helped by the closet, a project of the Salem Ministers' Conference.
The workers come mostly from First United Methodist in downtown Salem, where Brown has long been a member.
The "closet" - storeroom would be a better word - is in spacious basement quarters, and is open to the public on Wednesdays. The public drops off donations in a small room that opens onto the parking lot.
Retiree Jim Lynch does the preliminary sorting. He and his wife, Anne, are among Brown's most faithful helpers.
The Salem clothing closet is not the only one of its kind in the Roanoke Valley. Roanoke Area Ministries long has operated one at Central Church of the Brethren, and there are smaller collection and distribution sites at other centers run by churches primarily for their neighborhoods.
Brown, who retired from general medical practice in 1986, took over the Salem clothing closet in 1987 when it was moved from Salem Baptist to the United Methodist building, which had more space to house the closet.
She and her pastor, then the Rev. David Jarvis, decided "to eliminate paperwork and red tape" in giving away clothes. Unlike some programs that require clearance of clients by a social service agency, the clothing closet is open to all.
Brown says she believes in united church action for the needy, and she is concerned that the closet not be seen as a United Methodist project.
Giving time at the clothing closet has several payoffs. Recycling good clothing appeals to me. Even volunteers frequently find their own wardrobes enhanced by "gently worn" sportswear. Brown appreciates - though she does not require - a small donation from us. She puts the money in a fund for children's shoes, which seldom are donated.
Brown says that some people pick through the garments and help themselves to more than they actually need and even sell them. It doesn't bother her, though.
Volunteering at the clothing closet also gives me an opportunity to learn from other people about the issues of church life and the common concerns of the community.
The Salem-West County Closet and other closets need more volunteers. Call Brown at 387-0707 if you want to get in on some serious work and fun in Salem.
Frances Stebbins, who has covered religion since 1953, still lets our readers know what's going on in the religious community.
by CNB