God’s Closet

DALLAS – God’s Closet began in 2009 by an Adventist foster mom, Merryl Tschoepe, formerly of Spokane, Wash., who saw a need in her community for access to free clothing. Chapters were later formed with the Dallas, Tex., chapter beginning in 2016 at the Dallas First Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As a non-profit organization, we collect and donate children’s clothing free. The entrance fee is simply $1. Once inside, they can pick whatever items they need for free. Since we began, we have hosted seven events. Around 900 community members attended the fall event. It has been a blessing to our church and community.

We host events every three months and always have a “Back to School” event before each school year. This year, Southwest Airlines and Just Because partnered with us and donated backpacks for the students. The Pajama Program, located in New York, provided brand new PJs (which they do every quarter). Dallas First church members donated school supplies and Honda Helpers volunteered their time.

It takes almost 100 volunteers to organize this event. Thanks to generous donors, we are able to provide clothes, shoes, socks, sleep sacks, hats and mitts, blankets, toys, literature and more. They are much-needed items for children, especially during the winter months. Sometimes, we even have strollers.

Please follow us at Facebook.com/GodsClosetDallas and consider donating and/or volunteering to help those in the Dallas community.

By Ana Mochoge

Photo by André Gonçalves