Central clothing center reopens

Too soon to think about back-to-school needs? Not really, say workers in the Central Church of Christ clothing recycling center.

The center, located on Morford Street opposite McMinnville Post Office, reopens this week after a six-month suspension while major renovations were in progress at the building, formerly known as the Badger Arcade.

The church is now playing catch-up in preparation for the usual heavy demand for children’s clothing when classes resume at the end of summer vacation, said Marion Pistole, one of Central’s elders. Unavailable to receive clothing donations for half a year, the benevolence outreach is in short supply to meet current demand and future back-to-school needs for recyclable apparel and footwear, he explained.

“Thanks to the kindness and generosity of Warren County citizens, we’ve been able in the past to serve hundreds of individuals and families in need of clothing assistance,” Pistole said. “We’re confident our fellow citizens will do what they can to help with the present need by donating clean, reusable clothing.”

The assistance center is open every Thursday, 9-11 a.m., according to Joe Braxton, chairman of Central’s Benevolence Committee. All services – including clothing and food assistance – are available free to all people in need.

There is an immediate need for summer wear of all types and for all age groups, Betty Glenn, a clothing recycling center leader, said. Donations of clean, usable clothing and footwear for all ages will be gratefully accepted at the church’s benevolence center during the Thursday operation hours.