Ministries to close for holidays
By Sam Waller
Closet Angels and The Local Exchange) formerly Neighbors in Need) will be closed over the school Christmas break so volunteers can have time with their families.
The last day Closet Angels will be open is Wednesday, Dec. 15. The ministry will reopen Jan. 5.
“We close whenever the schools do,” Closet Angels director Lori Reames said. “This is going to be the longest break we’ve ever had. That’ll be three Mondays that we’re off.”
Reames said there will be plenty to keep volunteers busy through the break.
“We were low on several things, especially men’s clothes, so I’d really been putting the word out there,” she said. “Apparently, our bin is full now, and we have lots of stuff inside. We’ll still be sorting through the break; we just won’t be open.”
Reames said items from both ministries will be made available in case of emergencies.
“If somebody has an urgent need, they can call our new number, 325-762-0335,” she said. “They can still call that number for Closet Angels or The Local Exchange. If anyone wants to volunteer at either ministry, they can also call that number.”
Reames said that The Local Exchange will continue to operate on an appointment basis for the time being.
“We don’t have any regular hours to be open,” she said. “I just post on Facebook (at Closet Angels Albany Texas and The Local Exchange of Albany, Texas) when we have somebody who can open up.”
Reames said The Local Exchange will continue to accept certain items.
“We are looking for some household items in case somebody has a fire or some kind of natural disaster or a new baby,” she said. “We have a section set aside that nobody can shop from where we just keep basic needs available.”
