Responding to Community Needs: The Story Behind The Closet

Written from the perspective of Jill Schwiderski, the volunteer leader at The Closet.

As a librarian at the Public Library, I saw many children without caps, gloves or

warm jackets. I had a small closet with those items on hand. Soon after my retirement in

the fall of 2015, I was told there were small children without warm clothing or boots

waiting for buses in the morning. When it's teenagers, it may be a choice not to wear a

jacket but that is not usually true with small children. I thought that I could have a Closet in

St. Paul’s much like the small closet that I had at the library.

In our St. Paul’s Closet, we now have clothing, shoes, boots, bedding, household items, and personal care supplies. We have arranged furniture and mattresses deliveries, as well. Appointments are made so that we can help one family at a time to better hear their stories and know their needs. St. Paul’s Church in Hector has been generous in their use of space and residents of Renville County have made abundant donations. We ask that items are clean and in season since storage space is limited.

It’s important to limit donations and call to see what is needed at that time. We do not store any furniture at the church but we have arranged for recipients to pick up items from donors.

When quilts are needed, local churches including: Zion Lutheran, Zion Methodist,

Swedlanda, Our Saviors, Calvary Lutheran, and St.A’s donate beautiful quilts. The St. Paul’s Caring and Sharing group as well as local students have made fleece blankets that the children simply love.

The Closet ministry has benefited greatly from Thrivent Action Grants. Grants have been

written for fleece blanket supplies, children’s shoes, boots, work boots, personal care

supplies, duffle bags, gloves, and socks. It’s wonderful to have new items to give to families

who are struggling. They all are so appreciative and thankful.

This past year, we had 384 family visits. A family visit counts as one even if they

have four or more children. I do keep a tally but it’s the moments of giving a child a jacket, a

pair of new shoes or a fleece blanket that I remember most. Their joy is infectious! I

remember giving a little girl a pillow and she said, “I’ve never had my own pillow.” This

past year, on different occasions I gave towels to teenage girls. They were extremely happy

that they no longer had to share towels with their brothers! As we serve these families

going through such difficult life experiences; I’ve sensed their heartache; seen their tears;

and felt their gratitude and hugs.

A few years ago, our church was honored to serve breakfast to visiting Ukrainian

students. They visited The Closet and found shoes, jackets, and sweatshirts. One young man

proudly showed me his Minnesota sweatshirt. A tall teenager literally jumped up and down

in her new basketball shoes. Some students picked out Beanie Babies for themselves and

their younger siblings. Converse tennis shoes were a big hit. Each one gave me a hug as they left. I can only imagine what they returned to in the Ukraine.

It touches my heart when someone says, “This is an answer to my prayers.” You never know when your compassion and generosity could be the answer to someone’s prayers.

The Mission of The Closet is to compassionately serve our neighbors who find

themselves in need of basic provisions for daily life such as seasonal clothing and footwear,

bedding, and household items.

The Closet is available by appointment for families. We have collaborated with

organizations in Renville County: Public Health and Human Services, Olivia’s House of

Hope, Santa’s Closet, UCAP, school social workers, and the Renville County Food Shelf.

I am grateful for the generous donations of clothing and financial support from our

congregation, St. Paul’s Caring and Sharing group, Thrivent Action Team events, Renville

County churches, businesses, and organizations. Together, we can make a difference in our

community.

We have served families from each town in our county. I feel blessed to be able to

meet with these families. They love seeing our church sanctuary and share their faith as we

view the stained-glass windows. Each family is so thankful for this mission that community

support has made possible. I see true joy when a child gets new shoes, boots, or a warm

jacket. Often a mother’s tears and a hug conclude our Closet visits.