Prices have increased on everything from gas to food to clothing and as many families prepare for the new school year, providing clothes for their children is a fundamental part of the back-to-school routine. At the upcoming Community Closet event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, folks from throughout the community are welcome to stop by and pick up clothing for the entire family.
Donations are also being accepted prior to the Aug. 23 distribution; the collection and giveaway are both at the Bianchi Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale.
The Community Closet is coordinated through the efforts of the team at the Oakdale Enrichment Society, and is entering its eighth year. The event will offer everything from coats and sweaters to everyday essentials including socks and T-shirts for the entire family.
“We are proud to serve the community and this is a great event that can help so many right here in Oakdale,” said Lisa Lucero Ballard of the Oakdale Enrichment Society.
OES is seeking volunteers to help with various aspects of the Community Closet from sorting through the donations and organizing them prior to the event to helping out during the actual closet ‘shopping’ day on Aug. 23.
Volunteers can sign up to help during the week prior to the event, Monday, Aug. 18 through Thursday, Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., when people can drop off donations at the Bianchi Center; or during the event on Saturday, Aug. 23.
As the community has grown, so has the need for clothing and essentials for local families and OES volunteers said they’re grateful to help provide the opportunity for folks to find just what they need to keep their families warm and well prepared for the upcoming seasons.
“I am so proud that we are hosting our eighth annual Community Closet and I want to thank all of the volunteers because without them, we couldn’t have such an amazing event,” noted Oakdale Mayor Cher Bairos, also a member of the OES.
For more information on the event, including what to donate and where as well as volunteer opportunities, visit: https://www.enrichoakdale.org/
