Church, Human Services Host Back to School Clothing Sale

When members of Christ United Methodist Church decided they wanted to expand their mission and increase their impact, they didn’t bother venturing to Africa or Latin America; they stayed right here and asked everyone they knew to donate clothes for kids to wear back to school. 

Teddy Timpano, chair of the church’s outreach program, said this is their first ever clothes drive they got the idea after brainstorming with Groton Human Services.  

“We wanted to know what the needs are for the people in Groton,” said Timpano. “We wanted to help some struggling families and help their kids get ready to go back to school.” 

Timpano said the congregation, which is about 100 people, has been collecting “gently used” children’s clothes since June. They collected a lot in that short time and it will take them a couple days to sort it all out. 

Marge Fondulas, director of Groton Human Services, said the towering mound of unsorted clothes won’t intimidate this group. 

“They’re an incredible group of people,” said Fondulas. “This group is probably the most energized, they have just been so determined to have this sale.” 

The clothes will be sold at the Groton Human Services building on Friday to anyone who walks in the door. 

“This is not a fundraiser for us so we’re selling (the clothes) for nothing.” Timpano said prices will likely range from 50-cents to two dollars. 

Fondulas said proceeds from the sale will go into the agency’s discretionary fund for emergency supplies like baby formula or gas, etc.  

The School Ready Clothing Sale is Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Groton Human Services building at 2 Fort Hill Road.