Those in need can get essentials at Butler Twp. church
BUTLER TWP — In 2020, Violet Dolmayer’s daughter wondered aloud what she would do with the large collection of clothing her toddler had outgrown.
“She said ‘I wish I could donate them somewhere people don’t have to pay for them,” Dolmayer said.
That simple and compassionate statement resulted in a new ministry at Trinity Presbyterian Church that occupies four rooms and the lobby in the building’s basement.
“The Care Closet and Food Pantry opened in August 2020,” said Dolmayer, who is a member of Trinity Presbyterian.
The clothing, shoes, boots, coats and other items were made available for free on Saturdays, under strict coronavirus pandemic protocols.
“In a way, it was a good time (to open the Care Closet) because so many people were in need,” Dolmayer said.
One room contains shoes and boots, men's clothing, and youth sizes.
“We have ties, suits, dress pants, sweatpants, everything you can imagine,” Dolmayer said.
Another room is replete with ladies clothes, handbags, wallets and totes.
The third room is the food pantry, where those getting clothing can get shelf-stable food items.
The final room is nerve center, where donated clothing, shoes, blankets, sheets, books, toys and other items are sorted and folded or hung.
A table in the lobby displays baby clothing, and a nearby shelf offers children’s books. A table with home décor and other items is also set up in the lobby.
Dolmayer said the brother of a Trinity congregation member built and donated two huge shelves with cubicles, where clothing and other items are stored before being put out for “shoppers.”
“We get a lot of stuff with the price tags still on it,” she said.
The Care Closet and Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The entrance is on the opposite side of the church from the parking lot.
Everything is free, and anyone is welcome.
“We give people a bag when they come in and we say ‘If you fill that one up, come get another bag,’” Dolmayer said. “We don’t limit any clothing.”
She said limitations are placed on food pantry items so no one depletes the entire stock of any one item.
Canned goods; cereal; spaghetti and other sauces; toiletries; diapers; laundry soap; and other items are distributed by those who volunteer at Care Closet.
Dolmayer said when the Care Closet first opened, donations were from church members and their families and friends.
But members of the general public now donate items.
Penny Wagner, also a Trinity member and Care Closet coordinator, said many people who buy the contents of a storage shed in an auction donate clothing, pajamas, shoes and other items in storage they don’t need or can’t sell.
“Our biggest problem is we don’t have enough room,” Dolmayer said.
Wagner said she knows the staff at Center for Community Resources lets needy folks know Care Closet has clothing available for free.
“There are people in need out there,” Wagner said as she hung up a sweatshirt. “We’ve seen a lot of people really in dire straits.”
Wagner has taken clothing to her fellow residents at Cliffside Apartments who are in need.
She also has informed parents and their children who come to Care Closet of times for Sunday school at the church.
“To volunteer and do God’s work, that’s my purpose in life,” she said. “It’s a blessing.”
Dolmayer said the hundreds of hangers used at Care Closet are donated by the Kohl’s Department Store in Gibsonia.
“They have been angels about it,” she said.
Dolmayer is thrilled to volunteer at Care Closet and Food Pantry.
“People will see something they like on the rack and they just light up, or a kid will say ‘Mom! Look at this!’” she said. “It’s a very rewarding experience.”
Those who would like to donate to the Care Closet and Food Pantry can call Trinity Presbyterian Church at 724-287-7464, or bring items between 9 a.m. and noon on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
All items should be in good condition.
