Clothing bank expertise comes to Enumclaw

Sheila Smith will bring her years of running a clothing bank to Enumclaw.

Smith, who started the Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank in Buckley more than 14 years ago, was tabbed to replace Penny Lilly, who has been volunteering as the Enumclaw clothing bank’s organizer the past two years.

Set up like a department store, clothing banks collect new and used clothing and distribute it free to school-age children in need.

Enumclaw’s clothing bank started a number of years ago in a janitor’s closet at Thunder Mountain. Through the years, it has bounced around the school district, currently located at J.J. Smith Elementary School.

After being approached to run the Enumclaw outlet, Smith said she decided the dedicated corps of volunteers she has at the Buckley clothing bank allows her to spend time working with the one in Enumclaw.

She’s hoping to achieve the same level of volunteer dedication and donation base in Enumclaw.

Like her Buckley program, Smith hopes to partner with the local Kiwanis organization to provide nonprofit status. She also hopes to garner support from the school district’s many PTAs and the community’s businesses.

The Enumclaw Clothing Bank’s hours will change slightly. It will now be open from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. The facility is not open during school closures or holidays.

Reach Brenda Sexton at bsexton@courierherald.com or 360-802-8206.

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