Kids Clothing Exchange Helps Lewis County Families in Times of Need

Shirley Reboin saw a service gap in the local community and decided to do something about it. She noticed there were clothing exchanges and banks for adults, but none for kids, so she decided to create her own.

Now, Club Mom Kids’ Clothing Bank and Exchange has been operating for four years. It was recently relocated to the Centralia Christian Church after operating at a church in Chehalis. 

The volunteer base at the Chehalis church had started to dwindle, and Reboin said it was a good time to switch to a different location.

“It opens more doors and hits a different group of people,” she said of the new location. 

The clothing exchange, which features sizes from newborn to 14/16, is meant to supplement families who need new clothes for their children but are tight on funds.

Since its creation, it has grown from two racks of clothing to hundreds of items that are now available. 

“I’ve realized that many people pay rent, they pay bills, they buy gas, and clothing sometimes gets lost,” Reboin, the coordinator of the exchange, said. 

In a typical week, the clothing bank serves six to eight families. Although many of the people served reside in Centralia and Chehalis, Reboin said people have come from Packwood, Mossy-rock, Winlock and Olympia. 

The weekly event is meant to mimic a shopping experience. Clothes are organized and hung by color and sizes, and there are also English and Hispanic children’s books and Bibles. 

“It looks like a store versus people digging through piles of stuff,” Reboin said. 

Those who need clothes are able to come and browse through items. Typically there is a one bag limit per child. Everything from jeans, shoes and socks are available. 

The clothing bank was created not only because Reboin saw a need, but also because it’s what God would have wanted her to do, she said.

“Jesus said ‘Let the children come to me.’ He loved the children and he wanted them to be around him and to enjoy him,” she said. “And this is our way of letting Jesus be known for the children and for the families.”

The operation would not be possible without a volunteer base, Reboin said. Typically volunteers get together on Tuesday and Thursday to sort through the donated clothing. Volunteers are also responsible for staffing the exchange for the two hours it is open on Saturday.

Anyone is welcome to volunteer, and they do not need to be affiliated with a church.

“They just need to understand we are serving God’s people,” she said. 

To help spread the word about the clothing bank, Reboin said those involved have distributed fliers to organizations that help others. Many of the donations come from other churches or community members. 

“We’re kind of picky on the clothes we accept,” Reboin said, adding that the clothes can’t have tears or be missing buttons. 

People are encouraged to exchange clothing, but that is not a requirement.

“If you have children and need clothing, come on in,” she said.