Plateau clothing banks preparing to open
Published 12:15 am Tuesday, August 4, 2009
The Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank in Buckley will host a clothing and school supply collection day from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19. Pre-shopping, back-to-school hours will take place Aug. 25 and Aug. 26. Shoppers must call for an appointment.
The Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank in Buckley gives away clothing and other items to those who live within the White River and Carbonado school districts. The clothing bank is located behind Glacier Middle School around the back bus loop; follow the signs off River Avenue.
Its regular hours are 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturday of each month; and 6 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. The bank is closed on school closures and holidays. Donations are accepted during regular hours. For information or to make an appointment, call Sheila Smith at 360-825-5696.
Last year, the Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank helped more than 625 people, infants to adults, breaking the previous year’s record of 475.
The clothing bank, named to honor the memory of Sheila’s dad, helps kids start the school year, and continue through the year, with nice, stylish clothes, warm coats, new socks and underwear as well as school supplies and backpacks.
The clothing bank will celebrate its 15th anniversary in February.
This year there are new items thanks to the generous donations from the PTAs, clubs and community organizations, and especially the patrons from Elk Head Brewery. As an all volunteer organization, volunteers are welcome.
Smith is also running the Enumclaw School District’s clothing bank, which operates at the former J.J. Smith Elementary School, 1640 Fell St. It is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. The facility is not open during school closures or holidays. Volunteers are needed there, too. The clothing bank will open the first day of school, Aug. 31.
