Klothes Kloset busier than normal

GLADYS SHAY / For the Hungry Horse News

Busy volunteers at the Klothes Kloset are even busier with two annual events approaching.

World Community Day takes place Friday, Nov. 6, at St. Richard's Catholic Church.

Christmas Store is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Klothes Kloset. Variety of holiday items are available at low prices.

Kris Skyberg, manager for the Klothes Kloset, said income for the Klothes Kloset, sponsored by Church Women United, is down this year.

Utility expenses increasing include electricity, heat, water, which cuts into profits, although there are more customers. Maintenance of the former Gateway Lumber Co. building is another expense.

Hundreds of hours are worked by friendly volunteers every month. Their work includes making quilts and lap robes, washing dishes, utensils and other articles donated for sale, cutting rags and buttons, receiving, sorting and getting clothing, shoes, hats ready for display. Other items include knickknacks, bedding, appliances, jewelry, collectibles. Most articles sell for less than $2 but prices vary.

Clothing not sold is marked down to 25 cents each with different colored tags weekly for special bargains. If these are not sold for a quarter they are cut into rags. Rag sales to businesses have decreased this year.

A unique use for T-shirts has been discovered by volunteers. These are made into diapers. Previously, T-shirts went to the rag bags. Kris has a pattern available for anyone wanting to help with this project.

Kris commented there have been more calls from schools this year. School representatives are invited to call if students are lacking warm clothing, etc. Articles are provided free of charge by the Klothes Kloset.

Proceeds from Klothes Kloset profits during the past year are given to a variety of organizations during World Community Day. Letters are mailed to organizations inviting representatives to attend the 9:30 a.m. continental breakfast, Nov. 6. Agenda includes special music and reports but session seldom lasts more than one hour. Response in person is appreciated.

Officers of Church Women United are Betty Henneberg, president; Marion Fisher, vice president; Marion Andrew, secretary; Joan Smith, building treasurer; and Irene Ladenburg, Church Women United treasurer. Church Women United is made up of representatives from All Saints Episcopal, Our Savior's Lutheran, St. Richard's Catholic and United Methodist churches.

Volunteers from several area churches also help to make the Klothes Kloset a successful enterprise.

Hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Location is the north end of Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.