Garments aligned on hangers. The scent of freshly laundered clothing. Solidarity and dignity in the same space. The Elks Lodge #744 in Peekskill will once again serve as the setting for a community closet. The initiative, organized by Mend By Me, will take place March 6 and 7 at 1038 Brown St., in the heart of the city. Inside the spacious hall, everything will be arranged with precision. Clothing will hang neatly by size and category. Adult garments, children’s clothing and shoes will be clearly separated.
The event will begin Friday, March 6, in the afternoon. Doors will open at 3 p.m. The format operates as a free pop-up open to the community. Beneficiaries may attend without prior registration. They will not be required to present documentation or proof of address. Access to the space is direct. The first day of the campaign will run until 7 p.m. On Saturday, March 7, entry will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Johanne Read, president of community events at the Elks Lodge, has shared the invitation for the community closet through multiple channels. She has distributed information in community centers, educational spaces and on social media. The response has been significant. Beneficiaries from previous campaigns have expressed gratitude for the organization’s commitment and have highlighted the preparation and careful management that Mend By Me maintains for all of its events.
The site adapted for the community closet is welcoming to attendees. Upon arrival, the scent of clean clothing fills the room. The garments have been washed, inspected and selected before being displayed. Many items come from community donations, yet they undergo a process of sorting and care. All pieces are in good condition; some even appear nearly new.
What Read underscores about events organized by Mend By Me is the emphasis on respectful exchange. In addition to clothing and shoes, the closet will also display accessories, bedding, household items and some toys. The collective’s goal is to support families in vulnerable situations, migrants who have recently arrived in the country and individuals who have been affected by emergencies.
Official data from the organization indicate that since 2019 it has assisted more than one thousand families and distributed thousands of items during its periodic events. The first gathering served 55 individuals. Today, the reach is substantially broader, with a calendar that plans at least three to four events each year.
A significant flow of attendees is expected for the weekend campaign. Volunteers will be on site to guide visitors. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bags, arrive early and maintain their place in line. For additional information or details about the event, organizers may be contacted at [email protected].
