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RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — The number of people using a free clothing center in Rantoul more than doubled from 2023 to 2024, and the need is continuing into this year.
The youth group at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has been helping run the Bethany Park Clothing Center for years. 50 to 60 students — and now adult volunteers — are coming together more than ever to support the community.
“I feel like it just helps me come closer to God knowing that I’m helping other people,” said 8th grade volunteer Masyn Zrozier.
Pastor Gary Maxwell said he hopes the center helps people save money so they can use it elsewhere.
“If a family of four comes in and [gets] three outfits for each person in the family, they just saved hundreds of dollars out of their budget for that month,” Maxwell said. “So, saving that money, they can now afford more groceries, they can afford their rent, they can afford their utilities.”
The clothing center at Bethany Park Church is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can drop off donations 24/7 to further the church’s mission of giving back.