Kings Closet opens Oct. 17 in Steele Creek

Christ the King Church’s Kings Closet ministry will open its door to the community from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 17 for the semi-annual Community Clothing Closet.

“In our Scriptures, Matthew 25, Jesus says to go visit in the prisons and feed the hungry. But we realized, in this church, we do all of that except for clothing. We aren’t clothing those who need clothes,” said Judy Leatherman.

The idea was hatched about three years ago to give away baby clothes. From that idea, it quickly grew into Kings Closet after a meeting with Leatherman and husband Doug, Paneen Froneberger and Susan Long.

Donations of clothing and shoes for women, men and children are stored in a trailer at the church. It took two years to get the trailer where it is now – organized, painted, carpeted and air conditioned. Volunteers sort the items.

“We wouldn’t want to give away anything we wouldn’t wear,” said Doug Leatherman, who leads the ministry.

The church also provides some new underwear and socks.

During the community event, all the items are brought into the church’s all-purpose room to create a shopping experience.

“While parents are looking around and selecting clothes, there are children in the church who keep the little kids over on the side and have crafts and little snacks with them,” Froneberger said.

Doug Leatherman said some people return every time.

“We send out 250 invitations to tell them when the giveaway is gonna be,” he said. “We’ve got several cards back from people thanking us for making this available.”

Some even return as volunteers.

“A lot of people who come, come back and say ‘I’d like to help,’” Froneberger said.

Items left go to Tender Hearts in York.

“It’s just a privilege to serve in this ministry and to make this available to those who need it,” said volunteer Theresa Fadness said. “I just love to see things being used again.”

This story was originally published October 9, 2015 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Kings Closet opens Oct. 17 in Steele Creek."