Back in late 2013, Sherry Gassert's husband sustained a head injury. During the first few months after that happened, a neighbor named Pharis helped Gassert's family in myriad ways. "I wanted a way to repay him," said Gassert, who decided to pay it forward and honor Pharis at the same time. By April of 2014, Gassert had started receiving donations for a nonprofit clothing bank in a Lititz neighborhood that came to be known as Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank.

"We were going to focus on kids' clothes," said Gassert, who coordinates the bank with her daughter Steph Stiffler. However, the pair started to see the need for clothing for parents, as well as grandparents taking care of their grandchildren. From there, the bank mushroomed into providing household items, pots, pans, bedding, books, toys, personal care items, and, when a quick turnaround, furniture, which Gassert's husband picks up in his truck.

Children's clothing starts with preemie sizes and ranges to 18 to 20. Junior items are available, as well. For adults, sizes range up to 5X for women and 7X for men. "We have maternity, scrubs, and an athletic section," said Gassert. Outerwear, bathing suits, and new underwear are also stocked.

"(All clothing) is organized and sized," said Gassert. "If I wouldn't wear it or one of my grandchildren (wouldn't wear it), we don't hang it up," she noted. Stiffler added that items are checked to be sure they are stain free. "We want people to shop with dignity," said Gassert. "We don't want them to have to root through bins."

The approximately 300 people who are served by the bank each month are referred through PA 211, the United Way, the organization's Facebook page, the clothing bank's website, personal reference, or social workers at local schools or with Lancaster General Health.

"We allow 20 items of clothing per person, and there's no time limit," said Gassert, who noted that most clients are seen by appointment. In some situations, she will receive a request for clothing in a specific size, and she will pull together the items to be picked up.

In addition to the clothing bank, a yearly book bag giveaway is held. "Last year, we (gave away) 150 book bags," said Gassert, who noted that those wishing to receive a book bag must register ahead of time, but they need not live in the Warwick School District. According to Stiffler, donated backpacks can be new or in gently used condition.

"We do a Christmas and an Easter event," said Gassert. "Last year, because of COVID, we delivered 200 presents," she noted, adding that she, her daughter, and her husband dressed as elves. The 2021 Easter giveaway served 40 children.

Donated items that cannot be used for the clothing bank are given to other organizations. Gassert and Stiffler have devised a way to create shopping bags from old T-shirts so that no plastic is used to bag items for clients.

Paying it forward involves teaching family too. "I have four grandchildren ... and I love being able to show them when they don't need something anymore, we can pass it on," said Gassert. "They constantly donate their clothes and toys."

Readers who wish to donate gently used clothing and other items may contact the organization at ferriswheel14@hotmail.com. More information may be found by visiting https://ferriswheel14.wixsite.com/fwci/ or searching for "Ferris Wheel Clothing Bank" on Facebook.