GREENFIELD — As it prepares to host the annual Free Clothing Store, Franklin County’s YMCA is turning cleaning out the closet into an opportunity to help neighbors.

Franklin County’s YMCA is collecting gently worn, clean clothing in good condition through Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 451 Main St.

Clothing of all sizes and for all ages is needed, including clothes for infants and toddlers, children, women and men, and even costumes. Shoes, sneakers and cleats are also welcome. However, no intimate wear or lingerie will be accepted.

People check out shoes at the Free Clothing Store at Franklin County’s YMCA in 2025. Credit: PAUL FRANZ / Staff File Photo

All donated items will help stock the Free Clothing Store, which will open to the community on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the YMCA. The store is free and open to everyone in the community. No Y membership is required.

Shoppers will be provided with bags to fill as they see fit, giving everyone the opportunity to find what they need, whether that’s a warm winter coat, a fancy dress for a special occasion, sneakers for the kids, workout clothes or a few new-to-them essentials.

“Sometimes we all have clothing sitting in our closets that we simply don’t wear anymore, while someone else in our community could really use it,” Nancy Conant, volunteer coordinator at Franklin County’s YMCA, said in a statement. “The Free Clothing Store is a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors. We’re asking people to take a look at what they have, pass along what they no longer need and help us make sure everyone in our community has access to clothing they can use.”

Volunteers Phyllis Crowningshield and Karen Mills, and Jennie Crocker of Halifax, Vermont, check out the clothing at Franklin County’s YMCA in 2025. Credit: PAUL FRANZ / Staff File Photo

Another way that community members can help is by volunteering their time to help sort and fold clothing on Monday, Oct. 5 and Tuesday, Oct. 6, as well as assist shoppers while the Free Clothing Store is open.

Volunteers who are interested in helping can call the Y at 413-773-3646 or stop by the Welcome Center to sign up.

“The Y is not only a great place to exercise — it’s also a great place to give back to our community,” Fitness & Social Responsibility Director Jayne Trosin said in a statement. “Whether you donate a bag of clothing, spend a few hours sorting or help us welcome shoppers on Oct. 6, every contribution makes a difference.”