ST. MICHAEL'S
Community Clothing Closet

The Community Clothing Closet is an outreach ministry of St. Michael's United Church of Christ.

The mission of the Community Clothing Closet is to facilitate the transfer of clean and gently used clothes and shoes from those who have extra or out-grown clothes to those in the community who are in need of a source of free clothing.

We accomplish this mission by accepting used clothing donations,sorting the clothes by type and size, and hanging them on display racks. Once a month, on the second Saturday of each month, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, we open our doors to those wanting to select clothing items for themselves and their family.  All items are free.

The Community Clothing Closet first opened on July 3, 2004.  On that first Saturday morning 19 families selected 365 clothing items.  The Community Clothing Closet mission project continues to provided clean and gently used clothing items to those in need in our community.  The number of families served has fluctuated up and down each month over the past six years, but typically averages about 40 families each month.
       
We have partnered with Feeding Northwest DuPage, and offer open invitations each month to those who have visited Feeding Northwest DuPage food pantry sites.  Other churches and agencies refer guests to our Clothing Closet as well.  All are welcome!
       
Over the past six years the Community Clothing Closet at St. Michael's has distributed over 45,000 clothing items to our guests.
       
Those wishing to donate clean and gently used clothes and shoes may drop them off at the church office, at 108 Sherman Street on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday between 9:00 a.m. and Noon.  Please ring the bell if the door is locked.  You may also call the office (630) 231-0687 to schedule a drop off or a pick-up of your donation.  
      
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
      

• Donate your clean and gently used clothes and shoes to our Clothing Closet?and ask your friends and family to join you.
• Volunteer to help.  Volunteers are needed for the second Saturday morning each month.  Can you help one, two, or three months a year?  Also, you can join our Thursday morning or Thursday evening work crews?sorting and hanging clothes?on the Thursday preceding the second Saturday each month.
• Make a cash donation to St. Michael's Clothing Closet.  All of these funds are used to purchase new underwear and socks.
• Invite those in need to visit the Community Clothing Closet on the second Saturday of each month.

The following chart summarizes the Clothing Closet activity over the past six years:
 
                                                           Average Monthly              Total Items
                                                              Family Visits                  Distributed
 
12 months ended June, 2005                          54                              12,698
12 months ended June, 2006                          41                              10,037
12 months ended June, 2007                          21                                5,338
11 months ended June, 2008                          24                                5,042
11 months ended June, 2009                          37                                6,208
10 months ended June, 2010                          35                                6,553

12 months ended June, 2011                          22                                5,486
 

                                                              Total                                51,362