Church of the Good Shepherd

This outreach program started many years ago in a space under the parish house. There are currently 9  volunteers who work the closet on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am to 1pm. Last year over 3,000 clients received over 16,500 free items.

The Closet exists solely on donations of clothing, shoes, purses, bedding and towels. We do not need and grants or monetary donations.

Clients do not have to show any identification. All people are welcome to take what they need for free.

Flyers are distributed in the area and local papers provide free information weekly, but word of mouth is our biggest advertising for both donations and clients.

Items we can’t use are bagged and distributed to people who can upcycle the items into Gloves, Blankets, and T-shirt yarn.

Pictured are the volunteers for Thursdays. 

We provide items from 25 cents to no more than 2 dollars to families in need. Especially for children who can purchase items for their family have them wrapped (in a place away from parents) by our volunteers and enjoy hot chocolate and homemade cookies and walk out with beautiful wrapped gifts. When we see families that are strug- gling while they are shopping to pay for items they have we also gives them vouchers to complete their Christmas list. This outreach is supported by our parish family and money from the previous year. There is always a heartwarming story especially when a child is able to purchase a gift for his or her family and with it being wrapped they love that it is a surprise for them. Always one of our favorite days around the Christmas holidays.

We provide layettes, car seats and pack and plays for mothers in need. We have also provided these items to fathers and grandparents that find themselves with an infant to care for. Our ministry receives a grant from the Mignon De Lano Foundation every year which allows us to continue this ministry.