EPHRATA — The Ephrata Seventh Day Adventist Church continues to offer gently-used clothing to those in need every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., said parishioner Richard Withers, who runs the program with his wife, Joan Withers, and help from volunteers. 

“I come up here every day and check (for donations),” he said. “If there’s several bags, I’ll work them in myself. I’m kind of in charge of going through them and deciding which ones go where.”  

Along with Joan and several volunteers, Richard runs a small clothing distribution operation out of the church basement. All of the items are free for those that need them and Richard said the program is supported by the giving nature of the community. Donations of clothing can be dropped off at the front door of the church, or donors can drop items off when the clothing bank is open each Wednesday.  

Richard said he's been volunteering with the program for about 20 years, and the clothing bank had been going long before he began with it.

Richard said the operation is set up to offer summer and early fall clothing right now, but in October will offer winter clothing to its patrons to ensure they stay warm during the Columbia Basin’s colder months.  

The clothing bank has a good supply of coats that will be given out to those who need them, he said. Donations this year have been good regarding coats, but donations of quality items, including jackets, are always welcome, he said.  

For now, Joan said the clothing bank is open and organized by age and gender. There is a good selection of children’s clothing and clothes for men and women, including socks and undergarments.  

One portion of the operation has other odds and ends that people may need as well. 

“We do have miscellaneous things that people want to give that they put out here,” Richard said.  

    Dresses, simple jewelry and other items are available for women at the clothing bank. To the right of this display are men's items, including ties, jeans and other clothing.