Over the last year, a Guelph clothing donation hub has been noticing an unfortunate trend.
Since last summer, The Clothing Closet on Victoria Road has been serving more people than ever. And its coordinator said it hasn't slowed down. It just gets busier and busier.
"We're seeing a lot more men, and we're also seeing a lot of new people, people we've never seen before," Lisa Burke told GuelphToday.
"I think with the pinch with inflation rates, everything's going up and people need to save a penny here or there. When you've got a mortgage to pay, and food to put on the table, for some people, there's not a lot left."
There is an issue, though. Burke said for the first time, donations have been down over the spring.
She feels more people are holding onto their clothes longer these days.
"We really have a need for kids' clothing," she said. "The kids' racks are not full. Normally this time of year, they're stuffed full."
More specifically, Burke said, clothing for elementary school-aged kids is needed.
There is also a high need for men's clothing, with the influx of men using the closet.
"We prefer in-season donations because it's easy to process and put out now," Burke said. "We have limited storage space, so we do save some things like winter coats."
If you are thinking of donating, the Clothing Closet is open to accept what you have Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"We need the donations to pick up again," she said. "When people share, there's enough for everybody.
"It's about finding the extra in the closet. Share the spare, dig down deep. There's always something at the bottom of the drawer or the back of the closet."
Burke added it's also important not to leave donations outside, as they get picked over and strewn about the parking lot.
For those looking for free clothing, shopping hours are Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Clothing Closet is in the back of New Life Church at 400 Victoria Rd. N.
