For over 30 years, the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center, located at 3377 OH-59 in Ravenna, has helped families and individuals in Portage County by providing clothing, shoes and household items at no cost. By doing this, the County Clothing Center is able to offer comfort and confidence to those in need in our community.

With the school season and colder months coming closer, the County Clothing Center is looking for volunteers to continue their mission: to strengthen, empower and enrich the lives of individuals and families.

 

Veronica Williamson, Volunteer Coordinator for the Clothing Center, said that they are looking for consistent volunteers that can come in monthly, usually one day per month.

“Our volunteers are a very important part in how we do things here,” said Williamson. “We usually get large church groups, but lately we have been seeing more families and other organizations coming to volunteer, which is really nice.”

Hours of operation for the center are Monday-Friday 10am-2pm, with additional evening hours of 6pm-8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Time slots for volunteers range from 10am-2pm on weekdays or 6pm-8pm on Tuesday or Thursday.

 

For people who are interested in getting involved by may not be able to volunteer consistently, there are many other ways to help.

“The third Friday of every month is our cleaning day, which we always need people for that,” said Candy Pollard, Program Director of the Clothing Center. “Just donating and dropping stuff off is a huge help, too.”

The Clothing Center has a 24-hour drop off for any clean items from clothes to kitchen necessities. Items that are always needed are towels, kitchen essentials, coats, and children’s clothes.

 

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with the Clothing Center are the people and stories that come along with working there.

“I remember one night, a couple came in and they were from out of town, Alabama or something” Williamson said. “They didn’t know what to do, and for some reason I said, ‘are you guys living in your car?’ and they nodded. I gave them as many blankets as I could and seeing the smiles on their face is something I won’t forget.”

In April 2018, the County Clothing Center welcomed in 2159 people, with 40% of people being from outside the Ravenna area.

 

For more information about the organization and how to volunteer or donate, contact Candy Pollard at [email protected] or by phone at 330.296.0503

Or visit their website here.