Samaritan Clothing Store to Re-open with New Hours

The Marlow Samaritans will re-open their clothing store on Monday, Feb. 3, from Noon until 4 p.m. and will be open every other Monday for shoppers. In the past, the clothing store was open from 9 until 2 but the decision was made to open at noon and close at 4 in hopes of helping more families with their clothing needs.

Longtime volunteer Debbie Jones will take over as manager for the clothing store in the absence of Kathy Thompson, who is still recovering from an illness. Along with the new hours are a few new suggestions made by the board of directors to help with random donations.

“Mrs. Jones will be accepting donations either by calling 658-5771 and making an appointment or by dropping off bagged items into the big blue box located at the rear of the building,” said Carolyn Lowe who serves as Board president.

“We have been told that folks do not like leaving their donated clothing at our back door if the box is full because of the problem we’ve had in the past with theft,” she continued. “So if someone calls our number, leaves a message about wanting to donate, we will get back with them as soon as possible to accept their donations in person.”

Mrs. Jones stresses to those who donate that only items that can be worn by a person are being requested along with sheets, blankets and towels.

“We do not have the space for furniture, toys or other household items and are asking people not to leave them at our facility,” said Jones. “In the past our building had become a dumping place from garage sales and it was difficult for us to dispose of all the unusable things left at our back door.

“We would appreciate clean, barely worn clothes that will benefit our clients. Shoes that are in good condition, polished and have laces plus sheets and blankets are greatly needed,” she said. “Also, we cannot take undergarments unless they are brand new and still in their packaging.”

The board also put strict rules on anyone who comes in and shops and then has personal garage sales. “In the past, we had several of our clients tell us that others were indeed having garage sales at their homes and were selling the clothing they had gotten from us,” Mrs. Jones said.

“Anyone we discover doing this will be reported to the police and will not be allowed back into the store,” she stressed.

“We are here to help people who have found themselves in need of good, clean clothing items for their families, and it’s sad that a few can ruin a good program with their selfishness,” said Mrs. Lowe. “Anyone can come in to the store, pick out clothing that is free of charge and go home knowing their kids will have nice things.”

Dates for the store to be open through March are: Mondays, Feb. 3rd, and 17th, March 2nd, 16th, and 30th.