Humanity House is hosting its semi-annual Clothing Drop and Swap. This event will take place Saturday, Oct. 26, at our office at 110 East St. From 9 a.m. to noon, people are encouraged to drop items off and come back to swap from 1 to 4.
Needed items include clothing thats clean and in ready-to-wear condition, coats, hats, gloves, shoes and boots. This year, we are asking for extra blankets and kitchenware or small furniture items.
We are a nation of consumers. Most of us have way more than we need and tend to hang on to things even when we dont need or use them.
Lots of folks cant afford new clothing for their children for school. Shoes and coats are particularly big expenses.
New duds for job interviews are hard to come by if you have been unemployed for awhile and living on a tight budget. People looking for work are sometimes seen as not caring about the job because of their appearance. But most people dress in the best that they have, which sometimes is not very good. Even if theyre hired, the expectation to dress in a professional manner can be a hardship.
For children, the clothing swap is a wonderful opportunity to shop. Lots of times they leave wearing something new as well as the biggest smiles ever.
With colder weather on the way, blankets are a must for most households. For those who are without a home, blankets can literally be life-savers. In Allen County, we have people who are living in sheds, cars, grain bins, and tents, and theyre all facing a cold, harsh winter. Coats, gloves, and hats are necessary for their survival.
We are seeing more and more people utilizing our food pantry. We are thankful to a community that helps support our pantry which is open seven hours a day, five days a week. What we have found, though, is that lots of folks lack cooking utensils, pots and pans, measuring cups, can openers, and even plates, bowls and cups. Because of this, we are opening up our Drop and Swap for these items also.
Lots of folks are trying to furnish their homes or replace old furniture that is broken down. Lack of funds keeps them from having places to sit, a table to eat at, dressers for clothing, and enough beds for everyone in the house. If you have furniture stored somewhere, or are thinking of replacing yours for new, think about donating them.
We have so many ways available to us to make the lives of those around us better, without it costing us a cent. Please take the time to find those items that surround you that dont spark joy in your life and give them a chance to brighten the lives of others.
Kindness matters!
