Local Exchange closes temporarily

By Sam Waller

The Local Exchange will be closed until further notice due to the heat, according to director Lori Reames.

Reames said the facility has no air conditioning to combat the triple-digit temperatures blanketing the area, and staff will be taking vacation.

Reames said the ministry could have occasional openings in July if the heat abates.

“We may put the flag out once in a while if it’s cool and do an impromptu opening,” she said. “If we get too full, we might post some pictures of things that need to move.”

Reames said space is limited, and donations will be accepted by appointment only to ensure sufficient room is available.

“We will continue to take requests for basic needs items,” she said. “Due to the rising cost of window units, we will only offer loaners for a limited time and will be referring those in need to call 211 or call Rolling Plains Management Corporation at 325-672-3969.”

Rolling Plains Management offices are located at 1150 Estates Drive, Suite A, Abilene, and offer programs to help Shackelford County residents, Reames said. For information, visit rollingplains.org.

Closet Angels

Closet Angels will be closed Monday, July 3, but otherwise continue with its regular schedule through Monday, July 10.

Future openings include 10:00-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 5, for Senior Citizens, Second Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on July 8, and noon to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 10.

The ministry will close from July 11-31 for vacations and to prepare for the annual back to school bash, which will be held Tuesday Aug. 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

“This will allow families to shop Closet Angels before tax-free weekend and hopefully they win some cash to put towards the rest of their needs,” Reames said.

The evening will include hot dogs and prizes, Reames said.

“We are going to be looking for donations around town of gift cards or cash and the like to give to families,” she said.

Reames asked that donations intended for back-to-school shopping be delivered as soon as possible.

“We’ll spend time processing for back-to-school during our vacation and prepare for our Back-to-School Bash,” she said. “Our goal is to focus on that, so if people can hold off on donating bulky winter items, that will be a huge plus. We may have to re-donate things we don’t have room for.”

For information about either Closet Angels or The Local Exchange, contact Reames at 325-721-8620. The number ministries had been using (325-762-0335) is no longer in service.