By MOLLIE BROWN / Community Columnist

No budget for spring clothing? No problem. The Calera Acts of Kindness clothes giveaway is March 2 beginning at 8 a.m. at the same locations held last fall. The Calera Community Center will house adult and junior sizes and the historical Calera Presbyterian Church, one block west of the community center, will house children’s.

Coordinator Rebecca Krueger said despite the smaller space compared to the armory, where previous giveaways were held, the fall event met many needs.

“Because of the small location less people were able to enter at a time, but we’re working hard to improve the system for the spring giveaway. With the help of the City of Calera and more than 150 volunteers, AOK served 1,200 shoppers in need of clothing. In addition to the clothes give-away, we handed out about 1,400 stuffed animals with details of the spring giveaway attached at the Calera Christmas Parade.”

All that is required to receive free clothing is to show up, no identification or proof of residency required. Shoppers receive shopping bags and are asked to take as much as they need, but not more than they need.

Krueger asks residents to take a few minutes and clean out their closets. AOK accepts clean, gently-worn spring and summer infant, children, teens, men and ladies clothing, shoes, stuffed animals, toys and miscellaneous items.

Beginning Feb. 18, items can be dropped in the AOK collection box at the Calera Presbyterian Church. Please don’t leave items if it’s raining.

“We recognize we all need a hand up from time to time and we look forward to serving our neighbors in need,” Krueger said. “There are lots ways to volunteer — spread the word, share clothing and help prepare for and during the giveaway. It’s not just those receiving free clothes who are blessed, but also those who see the difference they’ve made in the lives of people who may be struggling to make ends meet right now.”

Work dates are Feb. 18-22 from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., February 25-March 1 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. If you would like to volunteer, contact Krueger at 281-1975 or email caleraaok@gmail.com.

Mollie Brown is a business columnist for the Shelby County Reporter. She can be reached at dmjhb1@bellsouth.net.