FELLOWSHIP | MUSIC | PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN | PRESBYTERIAN MEN | YOUTH ACTIVITIES
CALVIN'S CLOSET | MARY'S MANGER
CALVIN'S CLOSET
The inspiration for Calvin's Closet came during fund raising efforts for the Centennial Celebration of Louisa Presbyterian Church. Our congregation held a variety of events: a Fall Festival with yard sales, Ag Fair Booths, and a Relay for Life Booth that included foot washing and fresh socks for walkers. But during these efforts, we realized that many people struggled to afford the yard sale prices.
At this point, God led us from fund raising to "give aways." Calvin's beginning was moms group clothes spread out on pews in the sanctuary, with a few temporary hangers loaned to us by Family Dollar. After completion of the new fellowship hall, the clothing was moved to tables in there.
And at the end of each "closet event," those who worked it would look at the few remaining items and wonder if the season for Calvin's had ended. Until they received many more bags of clothes and realized God was not finished with this ministry just yet.
In later years, the prayer had been for God to show us where to take our next steps. That next step came in 2019 when new enthusiasm arrived and it became clear that God indeed was not finished with Calvin's Closet. The Closet moved from annual yard sales to a permanent ministry. Then COVID hit!
Yet the ministry continued throughout the COVID years. A volunteer with experience in retail was approached to manage the Closet, organize donations, and aid in distributions. And though the world was in lockdown, God's work was continuing in our church basement on Church Avenue. Local pastors and social service leaders continued to call for those under their care who were unable or unwilling to risk exposure in public venues, often picking up items themselves for those they were assisting.
Calvin's Closet still operates year-round on an appointment basis. Pastors, social service agencies, and community service organization leaders are encouraged either to call 540-967-3207 and leave a message or text 540-603-6902 to schedule an appointment.
Calvin's Closet assists with women's career and casual clothing, and children's clothing from newborn through high school. Men's clothing, beyond items appropriate for middle and high school boys, is not available through this ministry.
The inspiration for Calvin's Closet came during fund raising efforts for the Centennial Celebration of Louisa Presbyterian Church. Our congregation held a variety of events: a Fall Festival with yard sales, Ag Fair Booths, and a Relay for Life Booth that included foot washing and fresh socks for walkers. But during these efforts, we realized that many people struggled to afford the yard sale prices.
At this point, God led us from fund raising to "give aways." Calvin's beginning was moms group clothes spread out on pews in the sanctuary, with a few temporary hangers loaned to us by Family Dollar. After completion of the new fellowship hall, the clothing was moved to tables in there.
And at the end of each "closet event," those who worked it would look at the few remaining items and wonder if the season for Calvin's had ended. Until they received many more bags of clothes and realized God was not finished with this ministry just yet.
In later years, the prayer had been for God to show us where to take our next steps. That next step came in 2019 when new enthusiasm arrived and it became clear that God indeed was not finished with Calvin's Closet. The Closet moved from annual yard sales to a permanent ministry. Then COVID hit!
Yet the ministry continued throughout the COVID years. A volunteer with experience in retail was approached to manage the Closet, organize donations, and aid in distributions. And though the world was in lockdown, God's work was continuing in our church basement on Church Avenue. Local pastors and social service leaders continued to call for those under their care who were unable or unwilling to risk exposure in public venues, often picking up items themselves for those they were assisting.
Calvin's Closet still operates year-round on an appointment basis. Pastors, social service agencies, and community service organization leaders are encouraged either to call 540-967-3207 and leave a message or text 540-603-6902 to schedule an appointment.
Calvin's Closet assists with women's career and casual clothing, and children's clothing from newborn through high school. Men's clothing, beyond items appropriate for middle and high school boys, is not available through this ministry.
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