When The Closet resale shop closed its doors last week, officials at the YWCA Bradford quickly filled the void by opening another clothing facility this week at First Presbyterian Church on East Corydon Street.
The YWCA Bradford Professional Clothes Closet, now open by appointment on the second floor of the church, provides free, gently used attire for people to wear to job interviews or work.
Vanessa Castano, executive director of the YWCA, said the board had planned on opening a clothing facility at the church before members learned of the closing of The Closet, which operated under the auspices of Destinations Bradford.
Rev. Rob Klouw, who co-pastors at First Presbyterian with his wife, Rev. Katherine Randall, said the church is involved with a number of community outreach programs. The programs include the wintertime Warm It Forward McKean County project, which hangs donated outerwear on a clothesline for the needy to take.
“We’re always looking for additional opportunities,” Klouw said.
The pastor said his wife also sits on the YWCA board, which made for a smooth union between the church and agency.
“Even previous to this, I think we collaborated well on different projects,” Castano added. “I think there’s a long-standing history” between the church and agency.
Klouw said some of the clothing has been donated by retired professionals at the church and in the community.
Castano said the Professional Clothes Closet is not meant to serve as a substitute for the now-closed resale shop.
“This is really meant for individuals who have their first interview (for a job) or are starting a new job and need a couple of outfits,” she explained. “This is very specific” on available clothing.
Castano said the church facility doesn’t have a large supply of men’s attire, and could use more.
“Everything we receive is a donation; we don’t purchase anything new,” she continued. “And everything we give out is a donation, so there’s no cost associated with participants.”
The facility will accept and provide donations of professional clothes that not only include dresses, skirts, slacks, jackets and shoes, but also scrubs, steel-toed boots, Dickies and Carhartt clothing for outside work.
Castano said some clothing was also provided to the facility by The Closet and other items, such as racks, may be obtained from that shop in the near future.
She said people who are in need of the clothing may be referred through an area agency or can contact the YW to provide basic information on themselves and set up a visit. Recipients from throughout the region are welcome to partake.
“We’re really here to help people, and I don’t care where they come from,” Castano said of recipients. “If they need help and are from the region, they should receive help.”
The hours and days the YW can be contacted to arrange a visit at the clothing facility are 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and noon to 4 p.m. Thursdays. The YW can also be contacted other weekdays to set up visits on those specified days.
Castano said donations of gently used professional clothing may be dropped off weekdays at the main door of the YW building at 24 W. Corydon St. For more information, contact the YW at 368-4235.
