The notice from the Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet (BCCC) that was posted on Sept. 8 on the Terre Hill Kindness Facebook page read in part, "It has been brought to our attention that there is a great need for baby diapers in our community. This would mean so much to some of these families."

In the same notice, BCCC, which is located in the Bergstrasse Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, also asked for volunteer help. Becky Martin, who founded the clothing closet with Pattie Martin in March, said that currently the closet is served by about 12 helpers. "We can always use volunteers," said Becky, who noted the organization can be contacted by searching for "Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet" on Facebook and sending a private message. "We have a group chat for volunteers so we all stay connected," said Becky.

Helen Dorsheimer of Terre Hill volunteers at BCCC with Mike Dorsheimer and Sam Dorsheimer. "We were dropping off stuff from bargain bins and saw that they needed volunteers," said Helen, who is always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities. "We believed in their mission statement, and it was a good fit," she added.

"Mike and Helen organize everything," said Becky, who explained that the mission of BCCC is "free clothing for the community." "We don't require income information," she stated. "My theory is if someone needs it, they know they can come here." Becky pointed out that working families that are struggling to make ends meet have come to the closet for an outfit for a child or new shoes. BCCC has also provided clothing to nursing home patients in Narvon, and Community Action Partnership preschool students in the Pequea Valley School District.

BCCC provides clothing and shoes for men, women, and children of all sizes, including maternity wear. Accessories such as jewelry and scarves are available, along with toys, games, stuffed animals, and household goods and hygiene supplies. "The Ephrata Lions Club just donated bags with soap, shampoo, and a toothbrush for adults and kids," she noted.

New and gently used items are accepted whenever BCCC is open. Hours through the end of the year include noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 6 and 20, Nov. 3 and 17, and Dec. 8 and 15. BCCC will also be open during the Bergstrasse Trunk or Treat on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Donations are accepted whenever the closet is open. In addition to diapers and volunteers, Pattie noted that there is always a need for children's shoes.

One of the rooms BCCC is located in was previously called the cemetery room, and it was used to store flags and graveyard records. Ironically, the founding of the clothing closet was inspired by Pattie's brush with death. In October 2023, Pattie had a heart attack during which she stopped breathing twice. "When she woke up, she said she wanted to start a clothing closet," Becky recalled. When Becky learned her place of employment was closing, she turned her efforts to painting the rooms in the church where BCCC is now located. Next, Bergstrasse attendees were asked for clothing, along with the public through online resources and word of mouth. "We are overwhelmed with donations," said Becky, who added that in late August, the closet set a record of serving 200 people in two hours.

Readers who would like more information about BCCC may search for "Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet" on Facebook.