'Doing the most good' is The Salvation Army's motto, and a new program offered at the Macomb church is doing even more good for residents of McDonough County.
The church, located on the corner of North Randolph and Wheeler streets in Macomb, 'softly launched' its new Clothing Corner last April, keeping the program relatively quiet as they built the program and its offerings. Nearly one year later, Clothing Corner and Pathway of Hope Case Manager Amanda Thorpe and Capt. Ron Felt are ready to shout it from the rooftops that this free service exists for anyone who needs it.
The Clothing Corner, which is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m.1 p.m., offers everything from casual clothing for all ages and genders, pajamas and loungewear, formal dresses for high school dances, business/work attire, baby clothes, household goods and décor, furniture and miscellaneous odds and ends. And the best part?
These items are provided to whomever needs them and at no cost. Another bonus? Area residents who have large items they'd like to donate – and donate to a cause that does not charge for the items provided – can simply call the church to arrange for a pick up.
'When we opened last April, we didn't have a lot so we didn't advertise this service widely; however, we've grown so much and have more to offer,' Thorpe explained. 'We take all donations and we will always find a home for them.'
Donations are accepted between 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Monday-Friday. Individuals with items to donate can pull up to the church, give a ring and someone will come out to unload the car. Larger items can be picked up, and sometimes, they're delivered to their new home straightaway.
According to Thorpe, when the Clothing Corner first opened, they were serving around 30-40 people each week. Now, that number has nearly doubled.
No proof of income is necessary to use the services at The Salvation Army, including the Clothing Corner, and there is not a limit to what someone can take, especially now that they're switching from winter to spring/ summer apparel.
'We serve people from all walks of life. We recently helped someone who had been unhoused and got an apartment. We provided a lot of the home goods they needed and even delivered a bed,' Thorpe shared. 'The service we provide is important from two sides: we provide items to people in need and at no cost, and we know members of the community often want to donate items to places that won't make a profit on their donations.'
Thorpe, who has been a volunteer with The Salvation Army's annual Christmas toy drive for over five years, was hired first as the organization's Pathway of Hope case manager. Pathway of Hope is a Salvation Army program that focuses on breaking the cycle of generational poverty and helping people get what they need to be self-sustaining – be it help with finances, getting a job, securing childcare, finishing their education, basically whatever they need to take those first steps. Because of her know-how of the organization, she was also tapped to run the Clothing Corner.
It's a natural progression, Capt. Ron Felt noted as Thorpe is able to put people in touch with all the services they need, like a social service- one-stop-shop.
'We had to halt the Pathway of Hope program briefly, but then we knew Amanda would be a good fit to lead this program. She has a heart for the ministry and it was really good timing for not only renewing Pathway of Hope, but also to open The Clothing Corner under her direction,' Felt added.
'The toy drive, the clothing program, Pathway of Hope, Amanda can identify those people in need and build relationships.'
Everything The Macomb Salvation Army does – from its monthly food boxes to the weekly food lines that are available at 10 a.m.
Monday-Wednesday-Friday to the Clothing Corner to Pathway of Hope to the free weight room, and not to mention its weekly church services – works together toward that mission of 'Doing the Most Good.'
'We are the hands and feet of Christ,' he said. 'We are meeting the needs of people in the name of Jesus.
'And our services are for anyone. Everything can be fine, then you might find yourself in a situation, such as your house burns down and you have nothing. We can help get you back on your feet,' Felt stressed.
Jill (not her real name) has used The Salvation Army's food pantry services, as well as visited The Clothing Corner. She said the organization makes access to its services fair and accessible.
'They have given me a way to furnish my home when I needed help. I do not drive and had no way to get to my place and they helped by bringing to me.
That was such a blessing,' she said. 'It gives me the security I wouldn't otherwise have.'
Sally (pseudonym) added that the ladies at The Salvation Army also go above and beyond for her family.
'They remembered my daughter's size and found her a coat, and when I came back, they had it set aside for me,' she shared. 'They gave me what I needed but could not afford.'
Thorpe also shared how generous the community has been throughout the years, whether through the annual toy drive or food donations, and now, The Clothing Corner. Felt and Thorpe also pointed out that those who use their services also donate and give back to others.
'When they are done with something, they might donate it back. If they see something on sale, they might buy it and donate,' Felt said. 'We are blessed to have so much generosity, and no one is turned away here. It's really great to see how this is working out.'
For more information on The Clothing Corner or to donate items (household items – think dishes, pots and pans, towels, etc. are especially in need) or Pathway of Hope, contact Thorpe at amanda.thorpe@usc. salvationarmy.org. For more information on Salvation Army services, including church services, contact the office at (309) 837-4824 or visit salvationarmyusa.org/il/ macomb/n-randolph-streetcorps.
Housewares are needed at The Clothing Corner. Donations can be dropped off - or arranged for pick up - by emailing or calling The Macomb Salvation Army office.
