Local P.E.O. women's group aids church in clothes drive

A community-based women's organization is assisting a Hoffman Estates church in its efforts to clothe the needy. Members of the local chapter P-LK of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) have extended their altruistic outreach to the Lilies of the Field Community Clothes Closet, an outreach mission of Church of the Cross, PCUSA, in Hoffman Estates.

"One of our missions is to help women in need," explained Dawn Amos, president of the Schaumburg P-LK chapter of P.E.O. "We do this in a number of ways, including fundraising to support the international organization's scholarship programs. But we also try to identify and support local needs. For example, this last year through financial assistance and food drives, we aided a woman in our area who has had severe health problems. So, when one of our members indicated her church had opened a clothes closet to provide clothing free to anyone in need, we asked our members to join the effort. They generously met the need."

The church's clothes closet offers free new and gently-used donated clothing to men, women and children who live in the surrounding localities.

"This is a clothing ministry for those in need," explained Judie Truelsen, one of the of the closet's coordinators and a member of P.E.O. "All types of clothing are needed, including infant-wear, children's clothing and shoes and men's and women's clothing and shoes. We also accept new socks and underwear of all sizes. Of course, financial donations are always appreciated to help purchase needed items, and we are also happy to have new volunteers to join our mission work."

Donations of new and gently used clothes are accepted at the Church of Cross PCUSA, 475 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates. The closet is open for donations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays; 4-6 p.m. on Thursdays and from 9-11 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

For information, go to www.churchofthecross.online or call (847) 885-1199.

The P.E.O., a sisterhood of more than a half million women, has been celebrating women helping women for more than 150 years. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 119,000 women pursue educational goals by providing more than $398 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The organization also owns and supports Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. In addition to its educational philanthropies, P.E.O. provides a framework of support and community for all members.

More information about P.E.O. can be found at www.peointernational.org.

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