Last week I stopped at our Clothes Closet, operated out of the basement of the Human Resources Building. This is a wonderful resource for clothing for all ages, including work clothes, play clothes and customers appreciate it.

Access to the area is via a ramp, and along the whole length of it, I was amazed to see about a dozen plastic bags stuffed to overflowing with clothes and who knows what. Alongside were plastic riding toys, broken tables and what appeared to be yard sale leftovers.

The ladies who volunteer their time to sorting and selecting clothing told me this happens frequently. When they come in to work the door is sometimes blocked by leftovers of all types. It costs money to get rid of items that are not useable and since this is a totally voluntary service, there is not enough staff to sort through a truckload of leftovers.

Items needed and welcomed by the Clothes Closet are clean, seasonal clothing in good condition – not bags of leftovers, furniture and large toys. The intentions of the donors may be good, but there is no storage and no staff to accommodate this material. The Food Pantry and Clothes Closet are places to get food and clothes – not old furniture, and what’s left from a garage sale.

Kay Soldier

Windham