St. Thomas Stittsville members have been supporters of the local food bank through food and monetary donations for many years. The ACW (Anglican Church Women) invited Theresa Quadri, the manager of the Stittsville Food Bank, to be our guest speaker at our January 2024 meeting. The Stittsville Food Bank is seeing the same increase in need that many other organizations are experiencing. After her presentation, we asked if a clothing cupboard was needed, and she said yes right away.
This is how the Nearly New Clothing drive and sale began. Pam Hazen coordinates a small team of women who meet weekly to sort the clothes and package them to store until the sale. The community of Stittsville has been extremely generous supplying about 90 percent of the clothing, shoes, and accessories that we have available.
The day before the sale a larger team of ACW volunteers arrive to set out the merchandise and prepare for the sale. A nominal fee of $1 or less is charged for these clothing items.
The food bank hands out small postcard sized advertisements to anyone who uses the food bank. The clients then present their advertisement as they enter the church hall or as they pay. It is a small core of women that work at the actual sale, and we maintain the dignity and confidentiality of those who enter our doors.
Our first sale was held March 12. That morning, Hazen read from a book of daily prayers and the entry for the day focused on Pope Gregory’s efforts to live a life that emphasized respect and dignity for others. The book’s thought for the day was “Support a local food ministry with your time and financial gifts.” As we prepared for the sale, it seemed that God was guiding their work.
More than 500 items of clothing went to those in need. This is being provided as a service and not as a fundraiser. Many members of the food bank have expressed their anticipation and thanks for this opportunity.
We are still receiving donations from the parish and community and have been overwhelmed by the generosity of donors, many of whom have told us that they are happy to support this worthy cause. As we fill up many nooks and crannies in the church hall area, we look forward to each monthly sale. We have expanded our opening hours to offer more opportunities for the food bank members to attend.
Another sale is planned for June.
Deanery of East Ontario — Church of the Nativity, L’Orignal