Contributed by Summer Carrington
At this time of year, we are all getting ready for the holidays and festivities. Our lives are consumed of decorating, big meals and buying gifts. But many are not able to participate in such luxuries and just need things to make life better and more bearable. These are families who are going through hard times not due to any fault of their own, but the economy and job losses. This time of year being winter, it is even harder, let alone Christmas.
Staying warm, having enough for baby and little ones to dress them and also keep warm, for little kids to have toys to play with, family to have shoes and clothing, curtains and bedding, books to read... The list goes on... You will most likely find it here. Items change as donations come in; so with one visit, you may not find what you need, but the next one you just might.
The Closet is run by volunteers who donate their time to work hard to provide this service to the community. It is not a free building, so rent is due each and every month. The problem is that donations for rent are slow and many months covered by only a few that carry the whole burden. Many people come each and every week and load up bag after bag, yet not once donate a single dollar to keep the place running. That hurts everyone. If things don't change with donation help, this wonder place will possibly have to close its doors. The volunteers are wonderful, caring people with big hearts and carry much of the load.
So please, if you come and enjoy the free items please at least drop off a dollar or more to show you care and appreciate what the volunteers do. It will help everyone if we all do this each month. I do a tithe first of every month. This is money set aside just for the Closet, and I never miss the money because I know it is going for a good cause. I go there most of the time for others in need and help them out. But once in a while, I do it for me and my family, which I am very grateful for.
So if you have a need, come on out and see what they have. Remember to help out, especially this time of year when the need is at its highest. Bring your gently-used items you no longer need to the front door during business hours. Let your love spread to others.
Open Wednesdays only, from 11am to 1pm, winter hours.
Non-Profit Organization
(907) 775-3238
2955 S Big Lake Rd. Big Lake, Alaska 99652
