Closet Angels hours to change

Beginning April 1, Closet Angels’ new hours will be Mondays only from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. according to coordinator Lori Reames. 

In addition to changing hours, organizers are also asking that local residents be on the lookout for anyone taking unauthorized loads of donated clothing and shoes after hours.

New Hours

The facility will no longer be open on Wednesdays. 

“Tidying up and refilling racks twice a week just became too much for volunteers, who are already stretched for time,” said Reames. “Monday has always been our day to process donations, so most volunteers already plan their week around it.”

She added that Wednesdays seemed like the best choice when Closet Angels first opened, mainly because it was the only night shoppers weren’t lost to sporting events.

“But that day left us struggling for volunteers due to Wednesday night church activities,” Reames continued. “Mondays will still be a challenge, as the volunteers will have had a full morning sorting and preparing to open, but it will eliminate the need to come back on Wednesdays and do it all again.” 

Due to the low number of shoppers for the special school night from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, that time will also be eliminated, Reames said. 

“Any changes or announcements may be found either in the Community Calendar of the Albany News, the marquee downtown, or on our Facebook page (Closet Angels Albany Texas),” she added.

Theft Deterrent

Other changes involve the donation bin location and the elimination of items left out on the patio, with theft of unauthorized items continuing to be a challenge. 

“I struggle with using the word ‘theft’ because all we receive truly belong to the Lord,” said Reames. “What bothers me most is taking from others who may need it more, and the mess often left for volunteers to clean up. It’s just not right.” 

Within the past two weeks, a bin of baseball cleats and socks were taken, and the city police also caught someone with a pickup load of donations that had been taken out of the Closet Angel bins.

Reames said that the Neighbors In Need ministry has had the same problem. 

“Local law enforcement has been diligent with patrolling the property, and we try to help by keeping the donation bins emptied, but someone continues to rummage through them,” said Reames. “Paying for Wi-Fi and cameras would take a big chunk of what little we receive monthly in donations and would require even more of our time to monitor.” 

For now, the ministry is asking for help from the community to report any suspicious activity to either the sheriff’s office or to the city police. 

 To reduce the temptation, donation bins have been moved to a more visible spot, where law enforcement officers can easily see them from the street. 

As of this week, items like Halloween costumes, work clothes and boots, and baseball cleats, pants, and socks will no longer be left out and available. Shoppers will have to come in on Mondays or make arrangements to have someone shop for them, said Reames.

“We also have posted No Trespassing, No Loitering signs, in part for the safety of volunteers who come and go at various times,” she added. 

For any questions or for special accommodations, call Reames at 325-721-8620.