In a world where a helping hand can make all the difference, one local initiative is proving that kindness has no price tag. A free clothing closet is entering its second year for anyone in need—no income guidelines, no questions asked, just a simple mission: to serve the community with dignity and warmth.
Becky Briggs is the gives back coordinator of the Community Clothes Closet, located at 33 Bigler Road in Bigler. Although the Bigler location opened just shy of one year ago, Briggs said the clothing drive began before that.
“It started two years ago at Diamondback (in Philipsburg) with employees in the breakroom.”
From there, the project grew, working out of storage units.
Now, the closet is open four times per month. Find the dates each month on their Facebook page. In addition, Briggs said they will also open their doors for emergency situations if needed.
The closet runs purely on donations from the community, and while the majority of what is received is women’s clothes, they also accept men’s and children’s—and those two categories can be more difficult to come by. The organization accepts all sizes of clothing, plus toys, books, and small household items.
Drop boxes are located at the closet in Bigler (at the rear) and at Diamondback Covers, 345 Enterprise Drive, Philipsburg (right side of the building).
Just last week, Briggs said that a caseworker proclaimed the closet as the “saving grace” for a local family.
Once per month, they also open up the hygiene closet, which provides items such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, and more.
All of this is offered at no cost; no questions.
“Everyone goes through different stages in life,” Briggs said. “It’s for anybody and everybody.”
The closet also provides opportunities for community members to volunteer. Assistance is needed with sorting, hanging, and organizing. Those looking to lend a hand can use the SignUp Genius link.
