On Sept. 22 the Coleman Community Clothing Center celebrated a second opening of sorts for its 21st season, as it moved this vital ministry to the Railway Family Center and began a collaborative mission.
The Clothing Center began in January 1989 in the basement of Faith United Methodist Church in Coleman, Mich. It wasn’t long before the community response to the clothing center grew beyond expectations and a new location was necessary. In August of the same year, the Clothing Center moved to the former American Legion Hall. Renovations were made to the building, and the ministry was located there until just recently.
The former location was in great need of a new roof, among other fixes. As Faith United Methodist Church pondered the cost involved in either repairing the building, building a new one, or finding a new location, a church member talked to Coleman Mayor Gene Robinson, who suggested that a conversation occur with the director of the Railway Family Center.
Executive Director Bridgett Sullivan had just attended a local UMW meeting to expand their understanding of all that the center had to offer to the community. When we learned that part of their mission emphasis included a clothing closet and food pantry, we began to consider how we could work together.
The next step for the Clothing Center was to go before the school board who owns the Railway Family Center building, for approval of the partnership. Having received permission, we chose a space in the Center, and applied for a grant through the Midland Area Community Foundation to fund the physical adjustments needed for the new space.
With approval from three boards: Coleman Community Schools, Greater Midland Community Centers, and the Administrative Council of Faith United Methodist Church — and the receiving of a grant from the Midland Area Community Foundation — we moved toward our opening.
Throughout the week leading up to opening, donations of clothing and household items were dropped off and left inside the door on shelves, allowing for people to remain anonymous when contributing items to the Center, and to do so at their convenience.
The 18-20 volunteers of the center come in on Mondays to sort, hang, and place items out. Then, on Wednesday mornings, we open the doors to clients. All items are checked for stains, tears, etc. When an item is considered undesirable, it is taken to Salvation Army or Good Will where it is recycled. Nothing is wasted.
There is no charge for the clothing that the center provides, although donations are accepted, and these donations have contributed to the costs of insurance, snow removal, utilities and various repairs throughout the years.
Many times the Clothing Center has been contacted by families whose home was destroyed by fire, area schools who had a need for winter coats or other clothing for students, and bedding, towels and other household items for persons relocating within the Coleman community.
Most Wednesdays we receive an average of 50-60 clients and our hope is that with increased exposure through the Railway Family Center, this will increase.
The Clothing Center has been intentional about being part of and connected to the community of Coleman. While the ministry was initiated through Faith UMC, it has always had volunteers from other churches in the community. It is also deeply appreciative of the efforts of many within and beyond the community of Coleman in bringing this new location to reality.
Since it’s formation, the Coleman Community Clothing Center has operated with the understanding that if God desires the ministry to continue, God will provide all that is needed. This has been the practice since its conception, and has proven that this ministry is meant to continue.
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