On a drive into Missoula one day, Alberton resident Betsi Wood Baker glanced back at her vehicle loaded with bags of clothing needed to be donated and had a revelation.

She recalled, “I thought, why am I turning in my usable items to be sold back to my own community, when I could just eliminate the middle-man and give it to them directly?"

Although Baker is not originally from Alberton, her and her family have lived there for the past five years. During that time whenever her kids outgrew clothing or items, she’d have to haul contributions to various stores in Missoula.

Yet at the same time she knew that there were local families who could benefit from what her family had to pass along.

It was this conundrum that facilitated Baker’s creation of the Alberton Clothing Company.

She said, “This is a service for Mineral County in which I collect pre-loved and worn clothing and accessories, repurpose them and offer them back to our friends and neighbors in need, for free, at a clothing market four times a year.”

“All I'm doing is collecting, cleaning, organizing and redistributing. The added bonus is that it eliminates that one extra drive into town or errand for anyone who wants to donate. I also see value in knowing where exactly your donation is going,” explained Baker.

The seasonal markets will be quarterly once during the summer, winter, spring and fall. The very first summer clothing market will be in July preferably at in town location in Alberton. Baker is also considering having the clothing markets take place in Superior if there is enough interest.

“Depending on the inventory, I would also like to have a specific need market in between the four quarterly Clothing Markets, such as a backpack market just before school starts or a warm blanket market in the Winter. As always, this would be dependent on donations,” Baker explained.

Additionally, she hopes to offer pre-made packages for community members who may have an urgent need between the market dates. Baker said, “I can collect size/type information and put together a selection of what I have in inventory and drop it or leave it for a pickup.”

The Alberton Clothing Company Facebook & Instagram page will always be updated with the latest information and event dates so it will be important to follow those pages.

Alberton Clothing Company is accepting clothing and shoes for all ages, jackets, winter gear, sports gear, work boots & work wear, prom dresses, wedding gowns, and formal wear, purses, backpacks, costume jewelry and warm blankets.

Baker expressed, “My feeling is that Alberton Clothing Company won't accept any items that you wouldn't wear yourself. Our friends and neighbors in need don't deserve anything less than the next person. I will repurpose items of quality that have life left in them, it wouldn't be charitable to distribute anything of lesser quality.”

Currently Baker’s barn is her temporary storage facility for the Alberton Clothing Company. She mentioned, “I have been receiving donations already and let me say, we appreciate you! Without these donations, I have nothing to share.”

In the near future Alberton Clothing Company is planning to establish donation boxes in Alberton, Frenchtown, and Superior.

“I'm managing all requests through DM/text/email/phone and picking up items or meeting for donations. I'm always passing through somewhere and so are donors, so it's not as difficult to meet or pickup as it sounds, and it's not all the way into Missoula,” Baker said.

When Baker is not busy making arrangements for donation drop-offs or sorting through an array of clothing, she’s loving this new season and pace of life.

“The majority of my career was in a fast-paced, demanding corporate environment however, when we relocated to Montana for my husband's job, I became a stay-at-home mom.”

Since launching this spring Baker has been humbled by the community response and collaboration. She shared, “I'm getting overwhelming support, so I take that as a sign that this service is being appreciated for both donors and recipients!”

Baker is excited to see how the organization will impact her town and community.

“Everyone could use some help sometimes and everyone could save a few dollars. Times can get tough for people & families, especially this last year. Alberton Clothing Company plans to provide quality clothing and accessories to those who need it. Or maybe just for that one time you need a dress! As long as the donations keep coming in, then this service will be available,” declared Baker.

Frenchtown Fire recently approved a donation box to be placed at the 5th Street fire station in Alberton within the next two weeks.

To arrange clothing donation drop-offs or in you know of someone in need Betsi Wood Baker can be reached through the Alberton Clothing Company Facebook Page, or on Instagram, or by phone at 406-880-5013.