When people have enough financial resources and are not worried about how they will pay their rent or mortgage or get clothes for their family, it's easy to assume that others find themselves in a similar situation. However, the reality is that need exists, and a person in need could live right next door. In the Hempfield School District (HSD) specifically, school counselors and social workers realized that it was necessary to have a clothing bank for students and their families. As a result, in 2015, the HSD formed a partnership with Landisville Mennonite Church to provide tangible support with the Hempfield Clothing Bank. At one time, the clothing bank operated in a school building, but it outgrew that space. The church was able to relocate a Sunday school classroom to make space in the back of the building, which was then transformed into a fully stocked clothing bank.

The Hempfield Clothing Bank, located at Landisville Mennonite Church, 3320 Bowman Road, Landisville, is open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon during the school year or by appointment. Everything at the clothing bank is free to those who need it. People may enter through the double doors in the back of the church. Donations can be made when the clothing bank is open, or a drop-off time can be arranged with the church secretary by calling 717-898-0071. Hempfield Clothing Bank coordinator Fannie Miller suggested that people donate washed and repaired or gently used clothing for people of all ages and sizes, and new items, such as socks and underwear, are greatly appreciated.

One time, a Hempfield walking group decided to donate a basket filled with personal hygiene items, including soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Although this donation was made several years ago around Christmastime, church members have continued to restock the basket for clients.

In addition to providing families within the HSD with clothing, a positive outcome of the Hempfield Clothing Bank is that no clothes go to waste. Volunteers take inventory periodically, and extra goods are taken to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Material Resource Center in Ephrata, which processes and ships quality material resources domestically and internationally. Proceeds made from the sale of these materials are used for MCC's global relief efforts.

Miller noted that when a need exists, a donation arrives that covers it. "I'll look over things and see what we need, and then next thing I know it's on our doorstep," stated Miller. "I call it the 'loaves and fishes' operation because it seems like it multiplies. We do have more than we need right now, but you never quite know who's going to be needing and what's going to happen. It's nice to know that we're helping someone with no strings attached."

"We want to be present in our community in a meaningful way and have our neighbors know that we care about them and we're glad to offer a tiny bit of help when we can," said Landisville Mennonite Church pastor Gina Burkhart.

To learn more about Landisville Mennonite Church, visit http://www.landisvillemennonite.org.