October 16, 2009
For 42 winters, the gift of warmth
Central’s Clothes Closet has had an amazing
impact for good, here in the heart of the city
by Joe Bjordal
In the fall of 1967, four women involved with Central’s Sunday School—Joan Nelson, Shirley Wiese, Betty Vaaler and Edith Adams—noticed something that troubled them and gave birth to what has become one of our congregation’s signature ministries.
In an interview with Robert Ylvisaker, for an article in Grand Central magazine in October 2001, Joan recalled a three-year-old boy attending Sunday School wearing “a coat with sleeves far to short and slippers with holes in the bottom on his bare feet instead of shoes.” The women also suspected that some children were not showing up on cold days because they did not have proper outer attire.
They obtained permission to collect clothes, set up a “free store” in the lower narthex and distribute flyers to neighborhood apartment buildings. On the first day of distribution, 15 volunteers welcomed 50 mothers and their children. Central’s Clothes Closet was born.
Guests enter the freshly-stocked Clothes Closet on October 15, 2009. Photo by Joe Bjordal
Early on, another discovery sparked an expansion of the Clothes Closet ministry. The volunteers learned that many of the guests who came on Mondays to get clothing—persons who relied on free meals at soup kitchens or other organizations, many of which were closed on weekends—were terribly hungry. So, the Clothes Closet launched a free hot meal for the community on Mondays, in addition to clothing distribution.
Throughout the years, a strong sense of community developed, not just among the many volunteers, but between the volunteers and the guests who are served week in and week out.
In that same Grand Central article, Joan said that she and long-time Clothes Closet director Jan Brown literally “became part of the lives of the participants and were invited to take part in their weddings, funerals and other events.”
Through it all the impact has been staggering. A conservative estimate reveals that nearly 500,000 meals have been served and over three million items of clothing have been given away!
The beginning of its 43rd year (in September) finds the ministry of the Clothes Closet stronger than ever and now part of a larger effort of coordinated community ministries. Earlier this year, the Clothes Closet became part of Central’s new Restoration Center. And, for the first time in four decades, moved into its own dedicated space. (The Clothes Closet previously “shared” space in the Community Room. When the free store was not open, clothes and other items were stored in a partitioned off area. That partition has now been removed, expanding the seating capacity of the Communtiy Room significantly.)
There is still a high level of volunteer commitment, with new people becoming involved on a regular basis who find a great sense of satisfaction in serving people in need in the Name of Christ—people like Freddie Toran, who serves in the Restoration Center two days each week.
“I serve in the Clothes Closet because it strengthens my faith,” said Freddie.
Freddie was, at one point in his life, homeless and addicted to drugs. He said he now gives of himself to help others just like many did to help him. And he says the gift of free clothing puts a big smile on the faces of those who come to be served.
“I like to see people happy,” he said.
As the 43rd winter of the Clothes Closet begins, Central’s Community Ministry Coordinator, Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, who now oversees the minstry, reminds all that there is a need for winter coats, hats, scarves, sweaters and more—for adults and children alike.
“The generosity of Central members and friends to the Clothes Closet over the years has been significant,” Rolf said. “It is obvious that our church upholds this as a very important ministry.”
“That’s exactly what it is,” he said. “I’ts one of the finest things we do!”
For 42 winters, the gift of warmth
Central’s Clothes Closet has had an amazing
impact for good, here in the heart of the city
by Joe Bjordal
In the fall of 1967, four women involved with Central’s Sunday School—Joan Nelson, Shirley Wiese, Betty Vaaler and Edith Adams—noticed something that troubled them and gave birth to what has become one of our congregation’s signature ministries.
In an interview with Robert Ylvisaker, for an article in Grand Central magazine in October 2001, Joan recalled a three-year-old boy attending Sunday School wearing “a coat with sleeves far to short and slippers with holes in the bottom on his bare feet instead of shoes.” The women also suspected that some children were not showing up on cold days because they did not have proper outer attire.
They obtained permission to collect clothes, set up a “free store” in the lower narthex and distribute flyers to neighborhood apartment buildings. On the first day of distribution, 15 volunteers welcomed 50 mothers and their children. Central’s Clothes Closet was born.
Guests enter the freshly-stocked Clothes Closet on October 15, 2009. Photo by Joe Bjordal
Early on, another discovery sparked an expansion of the Clothes Closet ministry. The volunteers learned that many of the guests who came on Mondays to get clothing—persons who relied on free meals at soup kitchens or other organizations, many of which were closed on weekends—were terribly hungry. So, the Clothes Closet launched a free hot meal for the community on Mondays, in addition to clothing distribution.
Throughout the years, a strong sense of community developed, not just among the many volunteers, but between the volunteers and the guests who are served week in and week out.
In that same Grand Central article, Joan said that she and long-time Clothes Closet director Jan Brown literally “became part of the lives of the participants and were invited to take part in their weddings, funerals and other events.”
Through it all the impact has been staggering. A conservative estimate reveals that nearly 500,000 meals have been served and over three million items of clothing have been given away!
The beginning of its 43rd year (in September) finds the ministry of the Clothes Closet stronger than ever and now part of a larger effort of coordinated community ministries. Earlier this year, the Clothes Closet became part of Central’s new Restoration Center. And, for the first time in four decades, moved into its own dedicated space. (The Clothes Closet previously “shared” space in the Community Room. When the free store was not open, clothes and other items were stored in a partitioned off area. That partition has now been removed, expanding the seating capacity of the Communtiy Room significantly.)
There is still a high level of volunteer commitment, with new people becoming involved on a regular basis who find a great sense of satisfaction in serving people in need in the Name of Christ—people like Freddie Toran, who serves in the Restoration Center two days each week.
“I serve in the Clothes Closet because it strengthens my faith,” said Freddie.
Freddie was, at one point in his life, homeless and addicted to drugs. He said he now gives of himself to help others just like many did to help him. And he says the gift of free clothing puts a big smile on the faces of those who come to be served.
“I like to see people happy,” he said.
Freddie Toran is one of the many faithful volunteers who carry out the ministry of the Clothes Closet week in and week out. Photo by Joe Bjordal
As the 43rd winter of the Clothes Closet begins, Central’s Community Ministry Coordinator, Rolf Lowenberg-DeBoer, who now oversees the minstry, reminds all that there is a need for winter coats, hats, scarves, sweaters and more—for adults and children alike.
“The generosity of Central members and friends to the Clothes Closet over the years has been significant,” Rolf said. “It is obvious that our church upholds this as a very important ministry.”
“That’s exactly what it is,” he said. “I’ts one of the finest things we do!”
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Minneapolis, MN 55404
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