That morning, the Closet was supposed to be closed so that Patty Boardman and Carol Heaberlin, faithful Harmony volunteers, could pack up the winter clothing and put out the spring items. But Boardman, who has volunteered at Harmony since Oct. 2007, decided to let people in.
Between October and December 2008, Boardman estimates that the closet gave out more than 2,500 items and served more than 250 people. During the back-to-school open house in August 2008, they gave out more than 6,000 items in just three days.
"Those numbers show that there is a need in the community," Boardman said. Those numbers are the reason she can't turn people away on a day that they are supposed to be closed.
According to Mary Ann Downs, Closet director, on average they serve 30 families each Saturday. "And those are 30 different families each week." With the shift in the economy the last six months, Downs said they have seen a shift in recipients. "Before, we used to see mainly women in here, but now we see a lot more families and men."
Harmony Clothing Closet, which has been open since May 2007, serves all residents in Story County.
"It is not income-based; it is need-based," Downs said. "Today, it just doesn't make a difference. People have to keep a roof over their head and food on the table; clothing is one of the last things people can afford."
Boardman says they ask people to only take what they need, but that they do limit in-demand items like shoes and winter coats. "We encourage people to donate gently used, in-style clothing," Boardman said. "This is a good thing, especially for kids."
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Harmony Clothing Closet was created by a group of Nevada High School Students during the 2007 spring semester.
The GIFT (Giving Ideas For Today's Students) group in Judy Oltman's lifeskills class created the closet as a way to serve the needs of lower-income residents in Nevada and surrounding communities. The Closet, which was entirely student-run, opened its doors in May 2007 at the Nevada Community Resource Center. After that semester, Nevada High School staff members Mary Ann Downs and Elizabeth Gindt took over the project, and it eventually moved to its current location, 1556 Lincoln Highway. Gindt, the former juvenile court liaison at the high school, was in charge before leaving the district at the end of last year. After she left, Downs took over the Closet.
Every inch of space is used at their current location. The Nevada School District owns both houses, and donates the utilities. The prom dress exchange program is housed at the Closet, and they use the other house to store off-season clothes.
"It really was wonderful," Downs said of the move to the new space. "We were able to spread out and really serve a lot more people."
If the need arises
Everything at Harmony is done through donated time.
"We hate to throw out good things, so we might take something home and soak it for two days to get the stains out," Boardman said of volunteer efforts.
Generous donations have allowed them to repaint rooms and build more shelving. Many churches, service organizations and local businesses have donated time and items. First Federal Bank held a coat drive and donated money so that the Closet could purchase coats this past winter. Downs said that they average around five volunteers a week, but could always use more to help sort clothing.
Although the garage is overflowing with donations that need to be sorted, there are still things needed, like blankets, casual adult work clothes, toddler and infant clothing, new kids' socks and underwear, tennis shoes, boys and men's jeans and cleaning supplies.
Downs thanks the community and businesses for supporting the Closet's mission.
"That is the neatest thing about our community, when people hear there is a need, they give." she said. "I just can't thank our community enough for looking after those who need it. This day and age, we have to watch out for each other, and when you see a need, you have to have action."
Harmony Clothing Closet, located at 1556 Lincoln Highway in Nevada, is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Downs said they will be open two times a week this summer. If you are unable to come during open hours, appointments can be made by contacting Downs at Nevada High School. For more information about Harmony Clothing Closet, visit their link on the school Web site at:www.nevada.k12.ia.us/harmony.htm.
