A clothing ministry that has been in operation for years has a clean and fresh look that gives them more room and opportunity of serving more people.
The First Baptist Church of Madill Clothing House has a lot more room that will give the staff an ability of being more organized and efficient. Karla Earley manages the operation and said she feels that the ministry is a huge help to many people, especially grandparents who are raising kids, with limited incomes.
Also, with the coronavirus placing additional strains on families to provide adequate clothing essential for daily lives, the organization is an asset.
Customers can go into the store and shop, just like if they are at a regular store and pick what they need. There is no cost for the clothing either, it is completely free. However, donations of good clothing and accessories help provide the essential growth of the clothing house.
Earley said she is proud that there are numerous volunteers from within the church family, that give their time to help with the distribution of clothes, shoes and other essentials each month.
The clothing house is typically open on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. However, they were not open on December 26, because of the Christmas holiday.
Pastor Randy Kendricks of First Baptist Church of Madill is a big supporter of the ministry and can be found in the clothing house helping out when it is open. Kendricks saw the need for such a ministry and with the help of Earley and others, had a newly constructed building erected on the property Southwest of the church sanctuary hall.
Previously, the clothing ministry operated out of several houses nearby, but with the new location and the expansive size of the clothing house, the organization can offer more selections to the customers.
The clothing house always takes donations, whether it is items or monetary donations. According to Earley, they are overwhelmed with clothing donations. But she said she considers that issue a blessing and explained that the ministry does not want to see any child or family go without adequate clothing for daily use.
Typically, about 75 or so individuals come through the doors each time they are open. However, the need can sometimes be greater than that number. When the doors are unlocked, there is usually a long line awaiting the clothing house’s wares.
The clothing house is typically only opened a short amount of time each month. Although, if someone has an emergency due to a fire or other tragedy, the clothing house has the ability to open outside of the two days per month to assist needs.
The great thing for the customers is that items are free. Earley said “that everything that is given, is passed along to bless others” and has been a true blessing indeed.
The clothing house is located on West Burney Street in downtown Madill.