By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church held its monthly clothing ministry on Feb. 20.

The church’s activity center was full of tables piled with clothes. Visitors looked through the organized collection to find their size and take as much as they needed.

According to St. Andrew’s Wardrobe overseer Sarah Smith, the ministry has been happening for eight years.

“The clothes just show up,” Smith said.

The doors to the church are open around the clock, so visitors can come by and drop off a bag of clothes. She said she arrived at the church the day of the drive to find multiple large bags of clothes in the lobby of the chapel.

Once a month the church puts out clothing and welcomes people to take as much as they need. Once a woman took home five bags of clothing for her building because everyone in it was out of work, according to Smith.

“We have a very positive response … we have people who for whatever reason don’t have the wherewithal to purchase clothing,” Smith said. “They’re just very thankful to have it all free. You don’t have to verify anything; nobody asks any questions. We just help you find something you can wear.”

According to Smith, there are several people who have come for many years to get clothes. She has formed relationships with them and at times is able to help them find necessities other than clothing.

People have come from as far as Hueytown and regularly come from surrounding communities in Shelby County. In February, the ministry helped the university gather clothes for students who did not have access to interview attire.

The ministry would not be what it is without continuous support from the community. Smith said church members and students from the University of Montevallo help collect and sort the clothing after generous citizens drop items off.

Smith said there is a need for children’s clothing, especially sizes for babies through teens.

To learn more about the program or how to donate, visit standrewsmontevallo.org or call 205-665-1667.