Beginning this weekend, area military veterans will be able to stock up on the clothes they need, at no charge.
The Veterans Support Group in McDonough will launch its free clothes closet Friday, as part of its Veterans House and Service Center at 32 Jonesboro St. The closet will be open each Monday through Friday from 11 a.m., to 3 p.m.
Candace Baker, public relations coordinator for the Veterans Support Group, said the clothes closet will feature “interview-ready attire,” as well as business casual clothing and a limited selection of casual items.
“Every item in the clothes closet has been donated by the community in support of VSG’s mission to provide free assistance to veterans of all branches with transitional services and resources,” she said. “Veterans are coming here for any resources they may need. That’s why we started our food pantry and our clothes closet. Our vision here at the Veterans House and Resource Center is to provide veterans in transition with the resources they need, and our main thing here at VSG is providing these services free of charge to the veterans.”
Baker has been working to get the word out to local business owners and residents about the clothes closet, as well as other services offered by the VSG. Thus far, she said, the response from the community has been positive.
“Everyone seems to be pleased that we’re here,” said Baker. “Everyone seems to be aware of the need that we’re filling, and veterans seem to be grateful and ecstatic that we are here providing the services and resources that we are providing at VSG. I’ve been receiving great support as I’ve been delivering our message.”
The VSG is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free assistance to veterans of all branches of service with service-related claims. Volunteers guide clients in obtaining medical documentation, housing, and weekly support group meetings assisting veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder.
Phyllis Brumfield is the VSG’s clothes closet coordinator, whose daughter is a disabled veteran. Brumfield began collecting clothes for military veterans four years ago, out of her insurance agency in Stockbridge. She subsequently approached the VSG about teaming up, and now serves as the nonprofit’s clothes closet coordinator.
Brumfield said both male and female military veterans will be able to find clothes they need through the VSG.
“This is my passion because I know from experience when a veteran has a need,” said Brumfield. “In that clothes closet, we have ladies’ suits, ladies’ jackets, and ladies’ blouses. Everything isn’t used. We have brand-new items. Sometimes people tend to forget that women are veterans as well.”
Brumfield said she wants to “meet veterans where they are” and help them get back on their feet, starting with providing clothes they need.
“If you’re ready for an interview, if you’ve been displaced, or if you’re down and out, you don’t have it right now,” she said. “This is not a charity. This is a service. Everyone there is a volunteer. It’s a complete service of love.” For more information, call 770-284-3306. e-mail info@vetsg.org or visit www.vetsg.org.
