Aglow in Phelan, California is a unique group that provides clothing resources for those who need help. For over six years, Nancy Santiago, President of Phelan Community Lighthouse, has offered a clothing pantry to those in need in the Tri-Community. She and her loyal volunteers gather clean, gently used, and new clothing to give away to families in need. Her group meets to sort, label, and box the clothing storing it at a local Church.
Several times a year, they hold a clothing giveaway event to offer clothing to those in need. The meticulously organized clothing is laid out on tables, and the volunteer concierges escort each guest around the tables to help find and pick out just the right articles of clothing needed for themselves or their family.
While the goal is to offer clothing four times a year, the largest event they do is the Winter Readiness Clothing Giveaway which is held every September. This event focuses on offering jackets and blankets, and just about any other type of clothing that can be used to keep warm and is a huge hit in the community. The first year over 500 families attended.
In the beginning of the endeavors many different groups came together to provide storage, help sort, and help in the clothing give away events. And what do they do with the clothing that is not given away? Nancy found an international ministry that gives clothing in other nations who pays by the pound for any clothing left over. With those funds, new clothing can be purchased to make sure the basic needs are met.
As people come in, Nancy watches for those who might want prayer and steps in to offer hope. God has been so faithful to meet the needs.
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