The Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet, GECC, recently received a very large and much needed donation as a result of an Eagle Scout Project. Diane Kozakiewicz, Secretary/Treasurer of GECC said, “Gavin Watt came to us to ask if he could provide us with a new storage shed as his Eagle Scout project. Of course, we were thrilled. What we did not know was the depth of how many other things he would do for us. He re-roofed and repainted our donation shed, built shelves for inside the shed and inside the closet. He came back and spread small rocks around the foundation and lastly, just recently, he cleaned up the brush around the side of the building. He could have just stopped with the new shed, but he kept on doing extra items for us. He is a wonderful example of someone living his faith.”
The GECC had its start 40 years ago as Grandma Jane’s/Jean Basement. As the clothing closet grew they moved into Greece Baptist Church and then into a space in the front of the Greece Food Shelf. They now occupy their own large space next door to the Food Shelf, 500 Maiden Lane, their current location. GECC is a not-for-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of New York.
The GECC is run in a very organization and efficient manner. To be eligible for services all that is required is to register with proof of address (drivers license or utility bill) as a resident of the Town of Greece or Northern Charlotte. No appointment is necessary, simply visit the Clothing Closet during hours of operation. After registering, participants may visit the Clothing Closet once a month and shop free of charge. Customers are provided one shopping bag and may fill the bag with anything they need for personal use and the use of their families.
Clothing in adult and children sizes, shoes and accessories, and a small amount of household goods are available. The clothing is color sorted and is focused on seasonal dressing. “The new shed gives us additional space to sort and keep clothing for upcoming seasons. We find that people donate as they prepare for upcoming weather. So in Spring we many times receive winter clothing, we now have the space to store the clothing until needed in the store,” Kozakiewicz said.
All donated clothing is sorted and coded by volunteers. New items are continuously added. Clothing that has been in the store for an extended period of time is removed and re-donated to other community groups in need.
The Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet operates on donations and support from the community. “We are so thankful for the continued support of the Greece community and many organizations and businesses within the community that keep us going,” Kozakiewicz said.
Clean, new or gently used clothing, including clothing for adults and children, shoes, bedding, blankets, comforters and towels are always needed. Clothing donations should be brought to GECC. Their hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday 9AM to 11AM. Donations of money can be made by check to “Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet” and mailed to Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet, 500 Maiden Lane, Greece, New York 14616.
There are many different opportunities for volunteers to work at GECC. Help is needed working at the store during open hours, once a month for cleaning the facility, people to coordinate service projects and people to talk to school groups. If interested in volunteering stop by the GECC store during hours of operation or email info@greececlothingcloset.org.
The Dedication of the new shed build by Eagle Scout Gavin Watt was held on July 19, 2019. Following is the Prayer of Gratitude recited at the dedication.
Dear Lord, We are so grateful for everything that you have given us. Thank you so much for the loved ones in our life, for the many ways in which we are cared for and supported. Thank you for the many ways we can serve and give to others. Thank you for the rich tapestry of colors in creation. For the beauty, which is all around us. Our hearts are so grateful and brimming with thanks for your son Gavin, for creating the addition of this shed for us. May these things inspire us to bring a clear moment of sight and see how the world truly is! Amen.
For more information on Greece Ecumenical Clothing Closet visit www.greececlothingcloset.org.
Photos by Karen Fien
