It all began with a room filled with clothes.
Today, Hope Clothing offers "a place of new hope" and operates out of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Hespeler.
The organization offers free clothing for those in need including men, women, and children.
Every Tuesday, Hope Clothing is available for in-person shopping between 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
On Thursdays, it is open from 12 – 2 p.m., offering clothing items and a food bank.
The goal is to help people stretch their budgets by providing new and gently used clothing, footwear, accessories, personal hygiene products, and small household items.
“Hope Clothing assists those in our community who need some extra help clothing themselves and their family,” said Hope Clothing coordinator, Karen Kincaid.
“Everything is free with no strings attached and there is no judgement. It can be difficult for some people to come in looking for free clothing. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable.”
It’s been 11 years since Hope Clothing began and Kincaid has been taking part since the very start.
“This came out of another program at the church. We knew there was a need in the community and so Hope Clothing began. Being here really excites me. I live for this.”
The need continues to grow at Hope Clothing.
“With rising costs, we are definitely seeing an increase and we know there is more of a need,” said ministries coordinator Joni Smith.
“We are serving about 125 families a month.”
Rev. W. Scott McAndless from St. Andrew's Hespeler Presbyterian Church said the program has become a community effort.
“We want to get the word out there. We need more clients because we know they are out there,” McAndless said.
Since the pandemic, Hope Clothing is excited to offer services in-person again for those in need.
“We are gradually getting back to normal. We are open two days a week and working towards opening a third day. We will get there,” Kincaid said.
“During the pandemic, we were still available to take calls and get bags ready for pick-up for those who needed them.”
Kincaid says every little bit helps.
“I’m so thankful for our volunteers. They all feel the same as I do. We just want to help no matter how small,” she said.
“We have such a great group who all love to help. And they all work so hard to make sure everything is organized and ready. They do so much to help.”
There are currently about 12 volunteers who donate their time on a regular basis from doing deliveries, pick-ups, sorting, folding, and serving.
“But we have many others from the community who come in and help when they can,” Kincaid said.
Hope Clothing welcomes anyone to shop, from those who need extra help making ends meet, refugees, parents of young children who quickly outgrow their clothes, and anyone who is trying to be environmentally responsible by re-using.
“We even had a young couple who found a wedding dress. Our volunteers are always ready to help someone find what they need,” Kincaid said.
“It’s such a great feeling to be able to connect people with something they need. And they are so happy and grateful when they see it,” Kincaid said.
Hope Clothing accepts donations of new or gently used clothing which can be dropped off at the glass doors just off of the church parking lot on Queen Street on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Other needed items include men’s jeans, toiletries including feminine hygiene products, towels and sheets, Kleenex, toilet paper, and plastic bags.
“I hope someone gets something new and it makes them feel good, even if it’s just for a minute,” Kincaid said.
“When someone connects with something and it makes them smile, it makes it all worth it.”
For more information, visit the Hope Clothing Facebook page or here.
