First Teen Clothes Closet Update for October 2015

First Teen Clothes Closet is a busy place. While most members may not notice it, the upper level of “the house” next door has been visited on at least a weekly basis over the last four months by young people in need of simple clothes to get them through. More than 60 individuals have been able to find the things they need — a total of nearly 600 clothing and footwear items, plus toiletries, feminine products and items such as belts, purses and accessories. Through your donations, both of gently used age-appropriate clothing and funds to be used to purchase toiletries and undergarments, we have provided 165 shirts, more than 70 pairs of jeans and pants, 83 pairs of shorts, 55 pairs of shoes, 23 dresses and much more.

These individuals, 43 young women and 20 young men, live in our communities. Nearly half are from La Crosse, others are from Holmen, Onalaska, West Salem and as far away as Winona, Galesville and Taylor.

First Lutheran has taken on a role of helping provide this age group with the basic clothing items they need for school, work and life. We cooperate with other regional clothes closets that focus on the needs of men, women and younger children.

As always, the Clothes Closet welcomes cash donations to be used for purchasing toiletries and undergarments. Other special needs this month include: sweatshirts or hoodies, teen pajamas in all sizes, boys’ jeans in 32 waist/34 length and “no-show” socks. We would also welcome homecoming dresses. As the closet expands, we will also be in need of sturdy clothing racks and plastic hangers. If you are interested in volunteering with the Clothes Closet as an appointment host, shopper, or inventory assistant, please contact the church office. And keep all those whom we serve in your prayers.

First Teen Clothes Closet team,

Lori Lunney
Shari Hegland
Bridget Crave
Sara Larkin
Tina Nelson