In 2020, the Jackson County Clothing Center in Seymour was closed for three months due to COVID-19.
In November when the clothing center’s board president, Shannan Silver, heard the Gamma Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa would be giving grants to local charities and organizations, she decided to apply.
"You could apply online, so I filled out the paperwork, and we knew it would be springtime before we heard anything," Silver said.
In May, Tri Kappa asked the board members to come in and give a presentation as to what they were needing, which was $2,000 for a storage shed for the center.
"They chose to get the shed for us, and we’re really excited about it," Silver said.
Vanessa DuSablon, president of the sorority, recently presented Silver with a $2,052 check for the purchase of the storage building, plus a little extra for storage containers.
Silver said Tri Kappa gave them enough for the storage shed and some seal-tight containers to store clothes so they will be kept clean and dry in the shed.
"The storage shed will be here about a week from Friday, and we’ll have it placed right behind the house near the back door so there is easy access to take things in and out," she said.
Since 1982, the center has collected and distributed free clothing to those in need in the community. In that time, it has operated from several different locations, including the Vehslage Building in downtown Seymour, a church basement and for more than 15 years the back of a medical office building at 207 N. Pine St.
That building is owned by Dr. Charles Calhoun, who retired earlier this year. Not knowing his plans for the building and needing more space, the board decided to start looking for a new place.
The board found just what it had been looking for at 622 W. Second St. in Seymour, where they opened the doors for the first time in October 2020.
"The shopping areas are much more open, which is what our goal was, but the sorting area isn’t quite as big," Silver said. "So the storage shed will really help us to store some of our overage and give us more room in our main building."
Every item the center gives away is donated by people in the community. That includes clothes their kids have outgrown and things they’re not using anymore.
"We’re not taking household items anymore. We wanted to narrow it down so we could focus more on the clothing and linens and keep things a little more organized," Silver said.
As far as financial needs, she said to run the operation, the center needs about $1,000 a month, which takes care of the rent, utilities and trash removal.
"We rely a lot on churches, who might donate on a monthly or annual basis, depending on how they have it set up, and that’s pretty much where we get our funds," Silver said.
She said some individuals donate money here and there, but they are always looking for more financial donations because they want to make sure expenses are covered at the center.
"It has been a little more difficult with COVID, and so far, we’ve been OK," Silver said. "But we don’t want to start dipping into our savings or anything, and we want to stay afloat."
Those who would like to make a financial donation may send a check directly to the Jackson County Clothing Center or stop by during business hours. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays.
Those wishing to donate money also can contact one of the officers, which includes board Silver, Vice President Sandra Royer, Treasurer Nancy Wininger or Secretary Cheryl Vierling.
Donations of spring and summer clothing, bedding and linens are being accepted. They should be clean and ready for distribution.
"We always have a shortage of blankets and linens, king-size and queen-size sheets," Silver said. "We also need towels and wash cloths and men’s jeans, which tend to go really quick."
Silver said all of the other officers and herself really appreciate the donations that come in every month, and the clothing center wouldn’t function without that.
"It’s a community effort, and we’re very grateful for that and so thankful for Tri Kappa’s donation for the shed, which we wouldn’t have been able to just go out otherwise," she said.
People can drop off clothing and linens at the center during business hours or bagged items can be put in a trunk on the porch any time.
"If the trunk is full, please come back another time," Silver said. "It’s important that donations are not left stacked on the porch. We want to keep the neighborhood looking nice with nothing left in back of the building also."
Items left outside are often damaged by weather or animals and must be thrown away. When that happens, it makes more work for their volunteers and is of no service to their clients.
"Everything we give out is free, and anyone in Jackson County is free to shop," she said. "The only requirement is a form of identification for one person in the household."
Clients can shop one time per month and are given reasonable limits on how much they can have. This ensures they have enough for everyone who has a need.
Silver said the organization is all run by local volunteers, and they are always looking for more helpers.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”At a glance” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
For information about the Jackson County Clothing Center, call 812-522-7331 or visit facebook.com/jacksoncountyclothingcenter.
[sc:pullout-text-end]