GARDINER — Ten years ago, the United Methodist Clothes Closet moved into the basement of the Knights of Columbus on Spring Street in Gardiner. Ten years later, the nonprofit thrift store is growing out of its space.
Bette Seymour was responsible for starting the thrift store a decade ago. According to Seymour, the root was in church rummage sales. Seymour believed that a service was needed in the area.
“We knew there was a need to supply clothing,” Seymour said. “The only reason we charge is to pay the rent.”
The Clothes Closet is currently managed by Dorothy Weeks and Judy Harriman. Harriman, who works nearly every day, took over the charity from Seymour after eight years.
Twenty volunteers help sort, clean and prepare the clothing for sale. No one who helps at the Clothes Closet takes home any money at the end of the day.
Mary Pinkham, 93, of Randolph, works Thursdays sorting and tagging clothes for sale. Pinkham finds volunteering to be a nice way to spend time and help people who need it.
“I know I’m helping the people that need clothes,” Pinkham said. “I enjoy doing, and I get out and see people. I don’t sit home and feel sorry for myself.”
More than 100 families in the area who receive government assistance get free clothing through the Clothes Closet. They also provide support to families who are burned out and also provide clothes to women’s shelters.
With need and donations increasing, volunteers have looked for space to expand. The thrift store has been looking for a space for two years, most recently finding a space in Randolph. However, with rent and logistical issues, they found they needed to remain in Gardiner.
The store implemented a voucher system with many local towns. Using the voucher, families initially can receive six pieces of clothing per family member and four pieces of clothing every 30 days after that. Seymour said that the voucher system has been exploited, but is happy that it at least helps the people who need it the most.
“We do have some that abuse the system,” Seymour said. “But I’d rather see one person abuse it than see four or five fall through the cracks.”
Shyanne Smart, of West Gardiner, has shopped at the Clothes Closet after moving to Maine from Florida. Smart, a mother of two, said the Clothes Closet is great for finding gently used clothing at good prices.
“I can’t really put it into words,” Smart said. “The staff there is very friendly and it’s easier for me to go there than anywhere else.”
As a testament to the store’s success, the nonprofit donated all money generated by clothing sales — over $10,000 — to charities. Harriman was quick to point out that no money from the store goes to the church. They have donated $2,000 to two food pantries and also have given money to the town of Randolph to assist families with heating fuel costs.
Many men’s shirts and women’s tops sell for just $1.98 each, while pants cost $2.98. The shop also feature sales that sell past season donations for just 25 cents. These will return on August 25.
“We have pretty stringent rules here as to what we accept,” Seymour said. “It can’t be faded, torn or minus buttons. As you can see, I shop here.”
The Clothes Closet, which is run by the Randolph United Methodist Church, is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Knights of Columbus, 109 Spring St. in Gardiner.
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