PORT ANGELES — Thanks to the generosity of more than 200 who donated clothing for the Clallam County Project Homeless Connect, organizers say they can no longer accept garments for the March 4 event.
Project Homeless Connect provides a fresh start for those who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Free clothing is one of many resources that will be offered at the seventh annual event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4 at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St.
Organizers of Project Homeless Connect announced a need for new and gently used clothing Jan. 14.
“Since the response was so enormous, we unfortunately are no longer able to take any more clothing for the event,” said Florence Bucierka, who helped coordinate the clothing drive.
Other venues
Churches and other groups have ongoing clothes closets where people can donate gently used garments year-round, Bucierka said in a Friday announcement.
These venues include Sequim Seventh-day Adventist Church (360-683-7373), First United Methodist Church in Port Angeles (360-452-8971), Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles (360-452-3351) and Lighthouse Christian Center in Port Angeles (360-452-8909).
Clothing appropriate for teens and young adults can be donated to The Answer for Youth, or TAFY (360-670-4363), a volunteer-based Port Angeles nonprofit that provides a safe environment for at-risk and homeless youths.
Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Port Angeles (360-452-2351) accepts clothing to be distributed at its free community dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
Serenity House of Clallam County thrift stores in Sequim (360-683-8269) and Port Angeles (360-452-4711) accept clothing that is sold, with proceeds going directly to homeless projects, Bucierka said.
Meanwhile, the Clallam County Project Homeless Connect offers free meals, clothing, haircuts and information for on-site assistance with housing, medical, dental, vision, legal, employment and social service needs.
Organizers say the event begins the journey from homelessness back to safety, stability, health and hope.
For more information about Project Homeless Connect, see www.facebook.com/ClallamCountyPHC.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.