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THE CLOTHING CLOSET
The Clothing Closet offers free good quality clothing in a thrift store environment to help people stretch their budgets. Generous donors provide great finds. Caring volunteers make the atmosphere friendly, fun and relaxed. Respectfully, together we make the love of Jesus tangible.
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SHOPPING FREQUENCY
To help serve a growing need for The Clothing Closet, we will be making some changes. We have seen tremendous growth. In the last year, we have had 4800+ visits and hundreds of new people.
Beginning January 9, 2025, there must be at least 14 days between visits. For example, if you visit on January 9, the soonest you may visit again is January 23 or later. In other words, you may not come two weeks in a row.
We regret this may mean that you may not be able to fulfill all of your family’s clothing needs at The Clothing Closet. We are doing our best to share the clothing with as many as possible. We are thankful for your respect and cooperation.
Thank you, Lisa, Coordinator, The Clothing Closet
More shopping information here
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IN THE NEWS
April 15, 2025 - Guelph Mercury Tribune
April 14, 2025 - CaughtinGuelph.com
October 13, 2024 - Guelph Mercury Tribune
October 7, 2024 - Guelph Today
September 4, 2024 - CBC/KW
August 22, 2024 – CTV Kitchener
August 20, 2024 – Guelph Mercury Tribune
August 12, 2024 - Guelph Today
April 28, 2024 - Guelph Mercury Tribune
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WHAT WE OFFER
The Closet has returned to its core offerings of clothing and linens only. So, what does The Clothing Closet take? Here is the list:
Gently used clothing of all sizes including socks, bras, underwear and bathing suits in pristine condition. Coats, snow pants, gloves, toques. Scarves, belts, shoes, boots, hygiene products, purses, hats. Linens including blankets, sheets, towels, table wear. Diapers. Items must be washed. Please no pills, holes, or stains (check collars and underarms), odors (smoke or musty smells). We are so grateful to Guelph and area for your incredible generosity to the community. For many, they cannot make it without your support.
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REGISTRATION
We collect a small amount of information to help us provide you with the best possible experience of New Life Church's ministries. When your register, you will be asked to provide picture identification that includes your name, birth year, city, and what neighbourhood you live in. A few other questions are optional, but appreciated so we can serve our community better. You will receive a membership card to use each time you check in. You may pre-register here and complete your registration by showing your picture identification at the registration table when you come.
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SHOPPING HOURS​
Thursdays OPEN 9:30 – 12:00 (Doors close at 11:45 a.m.) & 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Doors close at 6:45 p.m.)
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​DONATIONS
​Gratefully accepting clean, quality clothing and linens. High needs items: men’s and kid’s clothing (size 5-14). We appreciate that you screen your items well. We do not accept items with holes, stains, pills, ring-around-the-collar, underarm stains, pills, pet fur, odors (including body odors, pet and smoke odors), etc. We appreciate freshly laundered items and take our quality very seriously. Usage of the Clothing Closet has skyrocketed and sorting through for acceptable items takes a lot of time. Thank you for your consideration. High needs: short sleeve T-shirts in all sizes.
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Come around to the double back doors. Please ring the doorbell on the right door frame – it’s REALLY important not to leave them outside – they get ruined. So please wait for someone to greet you. Please note that we can only accept donations in the allotted hours. We really appreciate your support and understanding.
Donations Hours --- subject to minor changes
CLOSED ON LONG WEEKENDS & CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR'S
Mondays 9:30 - 2:30 EXCEPT Apr 21
Tuesdays Sorry, ABSOLUTELY NO DONATIONS ON TUESDAYS
Wednesdays 9:30 - 2:30
Thursdays 9:30 - 2:30 & 5:00 - 6:30 EXCEPT Apr 24: 9:30 - 12:00 & 5:00 - 6:30 only
Fridays 9:30 - 2:30 EXCEPT Apr 18
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VOLUNTEERING
Our volunteers, the heart and soul of the Clothing Close, truly care for the community and each other. Volunteering is very rewarding and we welcome new people to join us. Volunteers receiving incoming donations, process and display clothing, and engage with the community while keeping the Clothing Closet tidy. Volunteers are well screened. Please contact the Coordinator if you are interested in joining the team.
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GIVING
The Clothing Closet is run on a ‘shoestring’ budget. We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors for the bulk of our operating costs.
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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE CLOSET
​“Because of The Clothing Closet, I was able to use my money for food for my family. It is a really big help especially for kids, especially at this time that everything is pricey.”
“The Clothing Closet helps me meet the demands of my family for items of clothes and shoes, blankets, etc. The Clothing Closet has helped someone like me who is new in Canada to have a reliable place to ‘shop’.”
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“Such an amazing resource for low-income families and the people are so kind!”
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"Even as an adult, it can be difficult to afford new clothes, particularly when other priorities take precedence. The Clothing Closet offers a practical solution, ensuring that I have what I need to maintain a professional appearance and personal confidence, without sacrificing essential spending in other areas of my life. The Closet’s ongoing support helps me manage my finances better, allowing me to allocate resources to other important parts of my life, such as housing, food, and education."
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SOCIAL
Follow us on Facebook
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​​CONTACT
​Lisa Burke, Coordinator
Office hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays
400 Victoria Road, North, Guelph, Ontario N1E 5J7
519 823 5851