Closet Angels, Exchange to extend hours
By Sam Waller
Closet Angels and The Local Exchange are expanding hours during the summer.
Both ministries will open the second and fourth Saturdays for the next few months. The Local Exchange will open for one hour, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Closet Angels will be open from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Lori Reames said Closet Angels will continue with its regular schedule of 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. Mondays and 4:00-6:00 p.m. Wednesdays.
“We’re trying to open up while the weather’s decent,” Reames said. “The problem with The Local Exchange is we don’t have heating and cooling, but we can get by for one hour. I can meet people there who want to donate and open for shoppers, as well.”
Reames said the extra hours are contingent upon volunteers’ vacation plans.
“We are going to close for a couple of weeks when our people go on vacation,” she said. “We’ll be closed May 30 and June 1, the week of Memorial Day, because there will be a lot of our people out that week.”
Reames said the extra hours will be used to feature different items.
“We will put out a lot of our fundraiser items on those Saturdays,” she said. “There will be bedding and linens on the back patio and a fundraiser rack in the front room with clothes, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.”
Reames also announced the addition of online shopping for both ministries. The Closet Angels Facebook page now features a Thursday Closet Cleanout, while The Local Exchange Facebook Page will include Clara’s Corner.
“Every Thursday, we’ll have pictures posted showing items, sizes, and prices,” Reames said. “A lot of people are starting to buy things on Facebook and then pick them up during the next week.”
Reames said the online option allows the ministries to reach more people.
“With the economy, things are getting harder to find and are more expensive,” she said. “So far, we’ve had a great response to it. People who don’t have time to come in while we’re open can shop online.”
Another feature The Local Exchange is adding is a partnership with Global Samaritan in Abilene, providing easier access to medical equipment.
“We can call Global Samaritan when we need things, and if they have them, they’ll share those items,” Reames said.
