Closet Angels celebrates 10 years

By Lynsi Musselman

Closet Angels is cele-brating 10 years of being Matthews Memorial Presbyterian Church’s clothing ministry, with the purpose of helping those in need.

An idea that started on a whim in September 2010 by director Lori Reames has grown into a full-time operation, supporting not just the Albany community, but others both near and far.

Reames said Closet Angels (CA) began as an idea to start a coat drive.

“The city-wide garage sale was coming up, and I thought how great it would be if all the leftover coats stayed in Albany for those who would need them as the weather got cooler,” Reames said. 

She added that without knowing how to start such an endeavor, she posted on Facebook a coat drive for local students, and it set into motion what would soon be Closet Angels Ministry.

MMPC provided Allen House for CA to operate out of, and the donations started coming in.

“MMPC has supported us for the entire 10 years,” Reames said. “They pay the insurance, bills, and lawn care, and volunteers do the rest.”

Volunteers

Blanca Sanchez was one of the first CA helpers. She donated a bag of children’s hangers as a seed of faith and now decorates for every event, including holiday parties and showers. 

“Blanca has been such an integral part in the ministry and now is in a leading role at Neighbors in Need, “ Reames explained. “She also has her own ministry helping families with diapers and wipes called Chelsey’s Project.”

Sandy Ingalls then came on board and selflessly helped for eight years with the front desk, handled finances, and helped with office work, as well as spending many hours sorting and mending clothes. 

Donna Leech also expressed a desire to help with Closet Angels, and she has been a faithful servant ever since, Reames said.

“Donna is able to organize and squeeze every inch of usable space out of the Closet Angels house,” Reames said. “She brought order to chaos.”

Mary Kay O’Connor takes care of the men’s space, and Cessie Ivy is in charge of the little girls’ room, as well as being known for her cookie ministry.

Many volunteers are needed to make the ministry a successful one.

The process of getting each week going starts early Monday mornings in the sorting room, where a team of eight washes, sorts,and hangs clothing to get ready for stockers to put them away.

Ivy comes in to help out with the constant flow of donations, along with volunteers Julie Auld Ridgeway, Deloris Londerholm, Pat Moellendorf, Cody Whitt, Lana Britton, and Lori Alexander.

At 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, there is a shift change, and Lisa Sadler, Jeanie Morgan, Judy McAllister, Rebecca Rifenburgh from Stamford, Clara Miller, and Sanchez show up to put donations in their places.

Reames added that Myra Hise, Tanya Petree, Helon Norman, and Michelle Stafford have all volunteered in the past and still come in when they can.

“The front desk is the face of Closet Angels,” Reames said. “We have been blessed for many years with great volunteers to greet and assist shoppers.”

Those serving in the front, both past and present, are Ingalls, Dimple Burge, Riley Mae Reames, Arlene Farmer, Linda Isbell, Vickie Kubiak, Bobbie Cauble, Dee Ann Tate, Jane Neece, Ashley Sanchez, and Austin Sanchez.

“What a gift each group is to the ministry,” Reames said. “The fellowship is priceless.”

Volunteer Cody Whitt said that Closet Angels has given him a purpose and a chance to give back.

“The ladies are a great support group, like family now,” Whitt said. “I am glad to be part of the ministry.

Future Needs

Reames explained that Closet Angels would not be possible without MMPC, the volunteers, and the generosity of the community.

“The donations we receive are far-reaching,” Reames said.

She added not just Albany and Moran benefit from Closet Angels but Medina Children’s Home, The Salvation Army, The Open Door, River Ministries in Del Rio, and various other clothing ministries and mission trips around the world.

“While Closet Angels and our other ministry Neighbors in Need are thriving and growing, we are in desperate need of a larger facility,” Reames reported. “A bigger space would allow all the ministries to come together under one roof with sufficient lighting, heating and cooling, and workspace.”

Reames said the Allen House is in need of updated electrical wiring and needs handicap access.

“My vision, along with my daughter Riley’s, is to not only bring all the ministries together but also add a homemade meal ministry,” said Reames.

MMPC pastor Anthony Ceder said he is proud of Reames and the dedicated volunteers she recruits.

“The care they take in their service makes Closet Angels the wonderful, Christ-glorifying ministry that it is,” Ceder added.

Donations and 

Shopping

Donations can be dropped off inside the bins provided at the back of the Closet Angels house.

Closest Angels is open on Mondays 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. for shopping by appointment only, and currently only open to Shackelford County due to COVID-19 precautions.

All clothes are sorted by department, and seasonal clothing is stocked first.

Only 10 shoppers will be allowed at a time and Shackelford County identification will be required.

To make an appointment or for additional information, call 325-721-8620.