Rising Fawn Baptist’s Clothes Closet Gets A Makeover

By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor

Rising Fawn Baptist’s clothes closet got a makeover during the last year, thanks to Leigh Ann Bradford and her daughter Lindy (Bradford) Free. The closet officially relaunched this October with clearly organized racks and guidelines that will allow it to flourish for years to come.

The mother-daughter team took over the closet in 2020, but with clothes piled from floor to ceiling, it was a challenge for anyone to find wearable items. Free recalled, “You almost couldn’t open the door. It got very overwhelming very quickly because of so many donations.”

With hearts bent toward serving, the pair found that the closet was a perfect way to put their skills to use. Bradford said, “My husband’s from here, we raised our kids here, and we love this small town. We like that when disasters happen, this community pulls together. When we saw the clothing closet, we thought, ‘That’s something we can do.’ It doesn’t require training; I just know I can make this presentable for anyone who needs help.”

The pair began organizing, selecting quality clothing, and setting clear methods of operations. Both of their husbands helped out, doing the heavy lifting and building sturdy clothing racks. Now, the closet is open to the general public every Thursday from 2-5 p.m., but Bradford and Free are also available when emergencies arise, and guests can find someone at the church during Sunday and Wednesday services/activities.

In Bradford’s words, “We’re very quick to respond. Especially when it’s an emergency, it doesn’t matter what time it is. I want to be bothered if somebody needs something.”

Call or text Bradford (423-394-2140) or Free (423-503-9438) anytime you have a need for clothing or know someone who has a need. If interested in donating, call or text to see what kind of clothing is being accepted. Currently, they are not looking for clothes because the space is full and they’re out of hangers. Bradford said 300 children’s hangers are needed, as well as pants hangers.

The team tries to keep all sizes stocked, and when there’s a particular gap in the closet, they let the church know what they’re looking for. Bradford said, “Right now, we don’t have very many men’s shoes, and men’s clothes in general is the smallest section.”

They’ve found that most men need everyday work clothes rather than suits, but they keep khakis, business casual shirts, and a few suits on hand just in case someone needs an outfit for a job interview.

The closet doesn’t accept used socks or undergarments, but eventually, they would like to offer brand new packs of these necessities. Another goal is to build a donations bin that would sit outside for easy drop-off access.

The closet also maintains a standard of quality, meaning that nothing with stains, holes, odor, or in poor taste will be accepted. Bradford said, “I want these to be clothes that we would take home for our families. I don’t want anyone to feel like, ‘They gave me the trash. They gave me the leftovers.’ I truly would let my children wear anything in that room.”

The goal is that people who have a need would feel like valued customers shopping for free rather than charity cases. Bradford said, “I want it to be an outreach, and I want it to be presentable. They get an impression of our church when they walk in that room.”

Bradford and Free will sometimes pick up donations, but they don’t typically deliver because they want guests to try on clothes, find what fits, and pick out clothes they like.

Bradford explained that while the clothes closet might draw some people to attend Rising Fawn Baptist, that’s not the goal. “I want you to come to church with me, and you would love it here, but that’s not what it’s about. We want to help anyone who needs help. Come in here and shop and get whatever you want. One of our church’s top priorities is the community, and if people see that, they hopefully see something different in us that would make them want to be in this church or any church.”

One big need the pair witnesses is when a family’s house burns or is hit by a natural disaster. Another need they’ve often seen is foster kids without much clothing coming to families. Also, they’ve seen families move to the area with limited items and resources. In addition to opening the closet to them, Bradford said, “We refer them to all the little resale shops in Trenton. SACs Thrift Avenue is great. Their clothes are so inexpensive, and it’s well-organized.”

Head Start has contacted the closet, looking for spare clothes to keep on hand for young kids, and the team partners with the Dade Helps! Facebook group. Free posts on the page and tags Rising Fawn Baptist and John Huffman.

Bradford has noticed that baby clothes seem to be the fastest moving items in the closet. Currently, they have two large totes of Christmas baby clothes to put out once they have more hangers. She said, “We’re so grateful. You can look at some of our baby clothes, and they’re just amazing.”

Free cited Luke 3:10-11 as guidance for the closet. The passage reads, “And the crowds asked [Jesus], ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’”

Bradford furthered, “There are many relevant verses, because that’s what Jesus did: He came into the people, He was part of the people, He did not come and judge.” Free added, “He came from poverty.” Carrying Jesus’ example into their work with the closet, they seek to dignify and honor each person who crosses their path.

Sorting through bags of donations, vetting for quality, and keeping the closet organized is more time consuming than it might sound, but the duo is up to the task. Bradford concluded, “It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s in a really good place right now.”