NORTHFIELD — Everyone will have a new wardrobe as back-to-school season comes around, thanks to the Ladies Benevolent Society of Northfield Farms.
The charity group engaged in its first weekend of giving away free clothing to children and their families on Saturday at the Field Library, located at 243 Millers Falls Road, through its new endeavor, the Northfield Clothing Closet.
“This building has been a center for the community for over 100 years,” commented Librarian Linda Chapin. “It is nice to have it take on a new purpose.”
Eight families attended on the Northfield Clothing Closet’s first day, taking with them diapers, socks, baby dresses and more. While families looked for clothes for their children, kids were invited to play on the floor with toys provided by the library, or read the books lining the walls.
The closet will continue to be open as schools come into session. In the next open hours, families will be able to take school supplies, too, including markers, crayons, pencils and glue sticks.
“Tierney Sodders really orchestrated this whole thing,” Chapin said.
Sodders, who lives in the same neighborhood as the Field Library, volunteers frequently in the community at such organizations as the bereavement support group Empty Arms, the Northfield Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization and It Takes a Village. Sodders previously said the Northfield Clothing Closet is inspired by several similar local projects, with The Village Closet in Huntington — which is offered through the larger It Takes a Village program — serving as a particular inspiration.
The Field Library currently has a selection of summer and fall clothing, but winter clothing will be offered when the seasons change. Clothing is available for newborns up to 12-year-olds. Maternity and nursing clothes are also offered. Donations — provided they are not ripped, stained or smoky — are welcome, and can be dropped off in the building’s entryway.
“We need to have families bring things as their kids grow out of them and keep the supply chain going,” Chapin said.
Chapin spoke of the Field Library’s continual need to rebrand to keep new faces coming into the building. She explained this is a great addition. She expects people will come for free clothes and discover books while they are there.
Open hours for the Northfield Clothing Closet will be Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m., the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment. Call or text 413-239-4990 for more information or to make an appointment.
Bella Levavi can be contacted at blevavi@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.