'Closet' brings clothing, community to Aurora families
About 20 volunteers gave clothing, food and community to families in need Saturday morning at St. John United Church of Christ's monthly Community Clothes Closet in Aurora.
The monthly event is the church's way of building up families on Aurora's near east side by showing them hospitality and helping meet their basic needs, Pastor Cyndi Gavin said.
“We want the experience to be unique, and we want people to come in with the sense that they're invited guests,” Gavin said.
Visitors can choose up to five items of clothing for each member of their family. While adults are browsing racks of donated coats, jeans, shirts and other items, children can color pictures and eat breakfast.
“I like the way they focus on children with the art table and the child-friendly snacks,” said volunteer Bob Stout, a retired pastor from Crest Hill who knows Gavin through ministry work. “It provides a place for the children to be affirmed, welcomed and engaged.”
Margarita Barrera of Aurora picked up coats and long-sleeve shirts for her 4-year-old and 7-year-old children at Saturday morning's event. She said the clothing giveaway is a big help because she and her husband both are out of work.
“I come and get what I need,” she said.
Not even an hour after the three-hour event started, 46 families had chosen clothes for a total of 219 people, volunteer Joanie Britton of Aurora said.
Britton is a lifelong member of the church, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last September. Community Clothes Closet, which began in October, is the most rewarding church project she's participated in, she said.
“For me, it's the thrill of practicing my Spanish that's a plus, but the big thing is you're helping people who need things get things,” Britton said.
Volunteer Mario Lechuga of Aurora also used his Spanish-speaking skills to assist those receiving clothes during the event. He said the clothes closet is growing in popularity as word about it spreads within Aurora's Hispanic community.
“I try to help in different activities, but this one — I really like it,” said Lechuga, who's been volunteering with St. John UCC about four months. “This is what I come for.”
Racks that began the morning stocked with donated clothes likely would end up bare, Britton said.
“That's part of our fun,” she said. “To be able to fill them up for the next time.”
The church welcomes donations of clothing for men, women, children and infants. Anyone interested in donating can set up an appointment by calling (630) 892-1932 or emailing ccc@uccaurora.com.