Local church prepares for clothing giveaway

NEW MIDDLETOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Zion Lutheran Church is preparing for Saturday's clothing giveaway, a fabric in the Springfield Township and New Middletown area for over 40 years.

It's a combined effort from six churches that comprise the Springfield Township Community Council of Churches. All of the clothes have been collected and sorted this week.

"It's part of what we do as a church, and so it is quite a blessing for those in the community that need us," said Pastor Alan Smearsoll.

All of the clothes are sorted by size. They also offer shoes in many sizes. This year, the clothing drive focused on collecting infant, children's, teen, and young adult clothing.

"That's where we saw the need greatest in our community," said organizer Kim Welsh-Koch.

The church has been folding and sorting the clothing so people can easily find the items they're looking for, in the size they need.

Anyone who needs clothes can go, and every item is free.

"We want them to know, they're all welcome. We don't ask for a driver's license. We don't have any wage requirements. We're open to everyone," said Welsh-Koch

It's a combined effort they describe as "God's Work, Our Hands." It's a way for the churches to live generously and reach the community in a voice they understand.

"Just to know that they are blessed and that God is behind that blessing," said Pastor Smearsoll.

The clothing drive giveaway is Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in New Middletown.