WAYLAND, Mich.,– Sue Skiba has taken a small room in the basement of the United Church of Wayland and transformed it into a “community closet” named after her late mother.
Ruthie’s Community Closet opened to the public in March 2012, offering clothing donations from the congregation and community to anyone in need. All items are free of charge.
“Take what you need, give away what you don’t, because that’s how my mom was,” explained Skiba. “We just wanted to keep her memory alive.”
Skiba said her mother passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in November 2011. Not long after, she decided to take charge of the community closet as a tribute to Ruthie. Skiba said being able to name the place after her mother was a blessing.
“I know that my mom is smiling down,” Skiba told FOX 17 News. “I know that she is proud that not just myself, but everyone’s efforts that came into this, and just helping people.”
Ruthie’s Community Closet is open on Tuesdays from 9-1pm and Thursdays from 5-7pm.
For more information, or if you’d like to donate, click here.