Early one weekday morning, an elderly gentleman named Willy was pushing his shopping cart past the First Baptist Church Ministry Center on Poplar. He made his way behind the
building as he had on other occasions, and he found a friend there, busy with her work in the Caregivers Clothes Closet. Quietly, he shared with tears in his eyes that his beloved wife of 50 years had passed away. His friend was quick to put down her work and to turn her attention to him. There they shared prayer and she offered words of comfort.
The clothing ministry might not be the first place you would expect to find a friend to share such a heavy burden, but the truth is that the Caregivers Clothes Closet is run by individuals who care deeply about God’s children. Since at least 1996, they have clothed people throughout the community, and have been a beacon of hope in the process. This ministry began with Sara Manley (Gail Hammock’s mother) and David Lee, who believed that families and individuals in the community needed help. Throughout its nearly thirty-year history, many men and women have served in the ministry helping to organize, fold, and distribute clothing, linens, and hygiene kits to those who have lost everything, live on the streets, or have fallen on hard times. Some of the members who have played a significant role through the years include Betty Lewis, Juanita Roberts, Terry Colling, Ben and Betty Maddox, Tom and Betty Lipscomb, Jean Moore, Carol Bohannon, Rachel Williamson, Tami Sexton, Libby Holder, Jan McLean, Ruby O’Neal, Andrew Blake, Regina Kennedy, Louisa Melton, and others.
The ministry has been located on or near Poplar Street since its beginning. In 1996, First Baptist purchased the 2-story house at 215 S. 8th Street and housed the Caregivers Clothes Closet there until 2011, when they moved it to the Carlisle Building. Then, in 2015, the brick building we now call the Ministry Center was renovated and became home to the clothing ministry. Since they have been keeping records, they have averaged serving over one thousand people a year.
When a person arrives at our Ministry Center, they encounter a volunteer with the Benevolence Ministry who then interviews them concerning their needs. If the person indicates a need for clothing, the request is written down and provided to the Caregivers Clothes Closet workers, who then pull the requested items (if they are available) and bring them in to the individual. At that time, the volunteer will pray with the individual, as well. People can get help with 2 outfits every 3 months. (In the case of a person who has lost everything in a fire, more items may be given.) They can also get one set of linens a year and towels every 3 months. Hygiene bags are available for a person every 3 months, as well.
The Caregivers Clothes Closet receives donations throughout the year. Often they will request specific items when a need spikes in the community. However, they do have to buy items like underwear, socks, blue jeans, sweats, shoes, and hygiene items, which they try to do at the most affordable places. Maintaining the inventory is an ongoing and important work. That’s why the team will be at the Ministry Center on Monday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and will then come in for additional work time on Wednesday mornings. Your donations of clothing, time, or money are always welcome and truly do great good in our community.
Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’