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Health & Fitness

What's in Your Closet?

Clean out your closet lately to get ready for Spring? Find out how you can put your gently used clothes and items to good use, and lend a much-needed hand to local agency in need.

In a burst of optimism last week brought on by a few extra hours of daylight and June-like temps, I frantically tossed my cable knits and cords to the back of the closet and replaced them with sandals and tees. Of course, that optimism was quickly replaced with a hefty dose of Oh yeah, it’s still March in New England, when the mercury outside read 35 degrees last night.

But I digress.

During that frenzied episode I sorted and separated bags and bags of clothes that I want to pass along. What to do with all that stuff? There are dozens of wonderful and deserving agencies and drop boxes across the county that will gladly accept donations. However one that is particularly close to our hearts here at VolunteerSquare.com is Darien-based Person-to-Person.

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On any given day, throughout the year, P2P’s Post Road headquarters is an absolute hive of activity. The agency supports hundreds of people in need in countless ways from its food pantry (for Stamford, Darien and New Canaan residents referred by social service agencies) to scholarships (Stamford, Norwalk, New Canaan and Darien) to clothing center (open to anyone by appointment).

With the change in season, P2P tells us they are especially in need of donations for its clothing center. Throughout the year, the organization provides clothes, linens and small household items to its clients at no charge. They say that they now need to restock with season-appropriate clothing and footwear for men, women, young adults, children and babies.

Find out what's happening in Darienwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Just as important as the donations, though, are the volunteers. Person-to-Person relies heavily on volunteers to sort, separate and hand out the items to their clients. Interim Director of Volunteers Janet King tells us the center requires over 20 volunteers each day to run smoothly. Think about that logistical challenge! 

King says they could really use extra hands during the week. Specifically, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. P2P is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and all you have to do is call to set up a time to help out. Better yet, grab some friends and head over to P2P. Volunteering at the clothing center is a great alternative activity for a book club, coffee club, neighborhood group or school group. Just give P2P a call and set something up. It’s as easy as that! 

For more information on how you can get involved, contact Interim Director of Volunteers Janet King. She can be reached at jking@p2pdarien.org or at 203.656.4631 x155.

And as always, to learn more about getting involved in your community throughout the year, visit Fairfield County-based VolunteerSquare.com.

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