GREENFIELD — The YMCA will be hosting its 10th annual free clothing store this year on Wednesday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Outreach Coordinator Terry Ruggles said that in hopes of serving “shoppers,” the YMCA is currently accepting clothing and shoe donations.
“We want to maximize the number of donations from today into next Tuesday,” Ruggles said. “We need all types of clothing from baby, toddler, school age, teens and adults.”
He added that children’s clothes are particularly important, not only because children might need school clothes, but also because colder weather is coming and children could be in need of coats and other warmer clothing.
Ruggles said the free store served 775 “shoppers” last year, and had 7,000 to 10,000 items of clothing that was sorted, folded and displayed in a store-like setting.
Those wishing to donate clothes can bring them to the front desk at the Y during its normal business hours. In addition, the YMCA also seeks volunteers to help sort, fold and arrange the clothing for presentation.
“We do the entire set up on Tuesday, with volunteers working 90-minute shifts folding, sorting and sizing so we can set up the various departments,” Ruggles said. “It is a lot of work when you’re talking 10,000 items of clothing.”