Since the downturn of the economy, various efforts throughout the community have been made, all in the name of helping individuals and families in need.

Food drives, free school supplies, soup kitchens and free health clinics are just a few of several initiatives that Dawson County residents have put forth to help their fellow citizens struggling to stay afloat during the economic storm.

For about a year, First Baptist Church of Dawsonville has been collecting gently used clothing to stock a clothing pantry that it calls God’s Clothes Closet.

“We have plenty of clothing for men and women that range in size from extra small to double X,” said Sue Cotcher, church member and volunteer. “We have plenty to give and encourage people to not be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help. We want to help.”

Cotcher said the idea for the closet came from a fellow church  member who realized the need in the community for not only food from the food pantry, (an initiative the church already has in place) but for clothing as well.

“The Lord has really worked through our congregation to bring in the amount of clothing that we have. We are actually running out of room to store all that we have,” Cotcher said. “A lot of people need help right now, and we want those who need help to feel welcome to come look through what we have and take as much as they want.”

Cotcher said that the closet currently accepts clothing only, no shoes, and that they are beginning to receive more clothes for babies and children.

With more donations than they have room for, organizers of the closet say that the response from the community is less than what they expected.

“Lately we have seen a lot of people helping others, which is the only good thing about this economy,” said Wanda Davis, church secretary. “No one in this county should go without food or clothing. Everyone needs help at some point in their life, and we want those who need it to not be afraid to allow us to help.”

Cotcher noted that the closet has a plentiful supply of sweaters and long-sleeved shirts for the upcoming winter season.

God’s Clothes Closet is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To visit the closet, go to the church office and volunteers will assist visitors in getting to the closet for what they need.

For more information, call the church at (706) 265-2612.