This last week I had the opportunity to go into a number of clothing stores – each set to roll out new spring clothes. One store I went to was the Crisis Assistance Ministry store, and in that store there were no sale signs, price tags were missing and the commission-based sales reps were no where in sight. This store provides free clothing for people in need.
Along with eight other Hands On Charlotte volunteers, I helped to get the store ready for spring. We dispersed throughout the store and began pulling all heavy winter items from the racks. We loaded them in bins and reloaded the shelves with more spring appropriate clothing. One of the Hands On Charlotte volunteers asked where the clothes go that are taken off the racks. The Crisis Assistance Manager stated that the clothes were sold by the pound and the money generated was used to help maintain the facilities as well as provide financial assistance for people who needed help to pay bills and keep a roof over their heads.
Once we filled the new racks with clothes we walked to the back of the warehouse where we were lead to a long table with bins of clothes around it. We took the bins of clothes and unloaded them down the stretch of the table, gathered around the table and began organizing the clothes. We made it through a few bins before it was time for us to leave. I looked around the warehouse and saw many other bins of clothes and didn’t want to stop, but I knew that it was time to step away for the evening and come back next time.
Hands On Charlotte needs at least15 volunteers to help the store twice a month on Tuesdays from 6-8pm, and I look forward to attending the next one on April 5.
Ryan Kamp is a Hands On Charlotte volunteer.
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