Even though the Red Deer Clothing Bank is packed with clothes and has had to close its donation bin, there are a few key items still needed.
The clothing bank, 5005 Ross St., can’t accept more donations until it gets through what it has and gets places to store the items.
“We’ve had so many other donations that they’re up to the ceiling and under the racks,” said clothing bank president Shirley Berry.
“A lot of them are summer clothes and we’re running out of room to put winter clothes out on the racks.”
As part of the over-abundance of clothes the bank has had to close its donation bin.
“It will probably be in January before we can start accepting again,” said Berry.
“It is a good problem to have. We’re just sitting here waiting, asking people ‘Please take some more.’ ”
However, the bank is still short of specific items, including children and men’s winter jackets and winter footwear for everybody.
So the clothing bank is still accepting donations, but people need phone ahead and have the specific items the bank needs. Berry said the bank won’t accept other items along with the needed clothes.
“If they phoned us and said ‘I have a bag of winter boots.’ We would say please bring them down,” said Berry, adding those items should be placed in the back entrance.
Every month the bank gives clothes to 1,100 people and people can only come once a month to get clothes.
“As they come in, the more clothes we can give them and the more clothes we can put out from storage,” said Berry. “We’ve honestly run out of room.”
Although the organization is pleased with the community support received, Berry said the Coats for Kids campaign did not go as well as hoped.
While it received 807 jackets they could use, there were 87 rejects, because of broken zippers, holes or other defects. As well, 375 summer items were donated.
“Some of these people, all they have left is there pride. Let’s not take that away from them,” said Berry.
Even though the bank isn’t accepting open donations Berry invites people who have important items, such as men’s and children’s coats and winter footwear, to call 403-347-6909 or Berry at home at 403-347-7126.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com