PLUMC Cothes Closet celebrates one year of service

by Lori R. Cooper

On the second Monday of month Pocono Lake United Methodist Church holds a Clothes Closet for Monroe County residents in need. All clothing is free. Robin Miller, co-chair of the mission team explains, “The church is mission-minded, we had the space and came up with the idea to help the community. It’s dear to my heart as I feel my role in the church is to help people.”

It’s been one year since the Clothes Closet opened and hours have been changed to coincide with local food pantry dates. Current hours are the second Monday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The large space in the church basement holds neatly organized clothes for women, men, teens and children. This includes coats, shoes and accessories. Cochair Emily Daly explains, “During strategic planning at the church we wanted to utilize the space and provide outreach to help the community.”

The response from the community has been very positive as clothing items are donated regularly. As there had been more clothes than the space could handle Miller reached out to other groups, including Valor House for veterans, an organization that benefits abused wom- en, and even a Philadelphia organization as a need was discovered while at a United Women in Faith conference. Due to an over-abundance of donations, some of the clothes were taken to the Salvation Army.

Miller works for the Pocono Mountain School District and found children in need of school uniforms so helped facilitate donating clothes to local schools. Many schools now have their own Clothes Closet and families can contact their guidance counselor for further information.

Daly noted,” The community is always responsive. People want to help, you just have to know where to help.”

Donations of gently used clothes can be made at the church during Clothes Closet hours. The Pocono Lake

St. Luke’s Care Now offers fast, convenient care for minor illnesses and injuries when your primary care doctor can’t see you immediately.

• Minor illnesses and injuries including: the common cold, flu, sinus infections, sprains, strains, broken bones and more

• A St. Luke’s provider is always available.

• Walk-in Lab and X-ray services with a script from your primary care physician at this location

• Comprehensive Occupational Medicine services available for local employers stlukesCareNow.org

174 Harvest Lane, Pocono Summit 272-639-5430

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm Saturday & Sunday, 8 am – 4 pm

United Methodist Church is located at 1188 Route 940, Pocono Lake.

It’s Pot Pie Palooza time

Clymer Library’s annual Pot Pie Palooza began on January 14. Mountain Top Lodge makes the pies and donates $2 to the library for every pie sold—a most delicious fundraiser.

The pot pies are 6-inch chicken, beef or vegetable pot pies freshly made that cost $9 each. You can order your pies at the library or at Mountain Top Lodge. Payment is taken in advance and can be cash or check.

Pies ordered at Mountain Top Lodge can be paid with cash, check or credit card. If you wish to buy pot pies to donate to the 5 Loaf House or Valor House, indicate this at time of payment.

Pies can be picked up on Friday, February 3, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Mountain Top Lodge, 2137 Route 940, Pocono Pines.

The mission of the Clymer Library is to serve as a community hub of enrichment, connection, and communication by providing free access to quality resources, technology, activities, and knowledgeable assistance; and by fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all.