GREENFIELD — Now is the time to clean out your closets and over-stuffed bureau drawers and bring your gently used clothes to the YMCA.
Each year for the past 11, the Y has collected clothes for children, women and men that it distributes two consecutive days in its Free Clothing Store. The store will be open on Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Terry Ruggles, a longtime YMCA volunteer and outreach coordinator for the event, said the Y has collected up to 10,000 pieces of clothing in the past.
“We want to maximize the number of donations from today into the beginning of next week,” Ruggles said of this year’s collections. “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.
He said more than 700 people were served last year and organizers expect more this year, making it essential for the organization to receive as many clothing donations as possible.
Clothing is sorted, folded and displayed in a store-like setting beginning Tuesday Those wishing to donate clothes can bring them to the front desk at the Y during its normal business hours. Setup is done on Wednesday and volunteers work shifts, folding, sorting and sizing, so various departments are set up and ready to be visited.
For more information, contact the YMCA at 413-773-3646.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.