Where do clothing donations go

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divine Mercy Food Bank also accepts clothes to help those in need.

Located at 1074 Wyandotte St. E, Divine Mercy Food Bank is one of five locations in Windsor associated with St. Vincent De Paul. St. Vincent De Paul is a national Catholic organization that supports people in need through volunteer work and donating goods. While DMFB is primarily a food bank, it also offers household appliances and clothing.

Jeannine Shalhoub, 61, is in charge of sorting the clothing donated to DMFB. Shalhoub said she receives about 10 to 15 garbage bags full of clothes each week from friends and organizations such as St. Peter’s Maronite Church.

“I know we are a food bank. However there seems to be a real need in the community for clothing as well,” Shalhoub said. “It’s very obvious that people in Windsor are generous. For every hand that is out in this city, there’s one or two hands putting in.”

Yvette Drouillard, 64, is the president of the DMFB. Throughout the years she has worked, Drouillard has seen the need for food and clothing banks in Windsor. DMFB helps 250 families a month.

“With the cost of things going up and salaries not, plus there are a lot of people on disability income,” said Drouillard. “That kind of income doesn’t go a long way when having to pay rent and utilities.”

Lowanna Closs, 67, is the organizer for the Easter and Christmas programs that the DMFB host annually. Closs said December is their busiest month because of their Christmas program as well as the need for warmer clothing.

“Some of our clientele that we don’t see often, we see more around the winter because of the elements,” Closs said. “They need warm outer wear, boots, hats and coats. Anything that keeps them warm.”

DMFB opens its doors for people in need for three hours a day starting at 10:30 a.m.