PITMAN - Katelyn Eystad said she was inspired by moments in her own life - all 13 years of it - to create the Angels of God clothing closet for those in need.

"A couple of years ago, we had a house fire and we pretty much lost everything except the clothes on our backs," said Katelyn, a student at Pitman Middle School. "My mom's also a single mom who raised my sister and I on her own. I can see that there are many different situations where people would need help, and I wanted to decrease that need for people in the community." Katelyn said that, in the summer, she asked her mom about using a space that she had been trying to rent on South Broadway.

"And it has grown into this," said Katelyn, gesturing to a space filled with clothing organized by gender and size, stuffed toys, accessories like shoes and purses and other household items. "We have made a lot of progress since we started. We have set hours for drop-offs and also for people in need to come shop. We've been working together with the Pitman Pantry so that people can come here after they've got their food."

Katelyn said the closet accepts and distributes all sizes of clothing, from child to adult as well as maternity sizes, and that business and formal wear are available for those who might be trying to get back into the workplace.

Angels of God is also currently holding a toy and coat drive just in time for the holidays.

"We've helped a lot of people from shelters in Glassboro and Woodbury and also a lot of people from right here in Pitman," said Katelyn. "We give out vouchers at the Pitman Pantry so that people know to come here for help. People have come in on their own and others have brought children. It's open to anyone who needs help."

Katelyn said that a family can usually fill a trash bag full of clothing and other items and an individual can take two grocery bags worth of items at a time. Visits are limited to twice a month so the closet can serve as many people as possible. For toys, a person can take one big item and a few stocking-stuffers.

"We keep clothing out for the current season, but we have a lot also stored in a storage unit we had to rent for the overflow," said Katelyn. "We've received a lot of support, a lot of donations and a lot of volunteers. Even my little sister, who's 8, comes to help. There are ways for people of all ages to participate."

Katelyn said that clothing items donated to the closet must be in good condition with no rips or stains.

"The rule is generally if you wouldn't wear it yourself, don't donate it," said Katelyn. "For toys, there are similar guidelines. We want to be able to provide things to people that are in pretty good shape."

Katelyn said she hopes to keep the closet open for a long time and help as many people as she can.

"It's definitely a necessity," said Katelyn. "Not everyone is provided with the things they need and we can help. I come and work here as often as I can but we're also really grateful for volunteers. It's nice to be able to lean on other people and know they'll be here if I can't."

To donate items to the Angels of God clothing closet or volunteer, e-mail Katelyn and her mom, Elissa, at angels@angelsofgod.org or call (856) 625-8652 to set up a time for dropoff. Those in need or those who know a family that needs help can e-mail or call as well. Katelyn is also available to make short presentations about the closet at organization meetings. More information is available on the Web site at www.angelsofgod.org. The closet is especially in need of boys' and men's items at this time.

To pay for the storage unit cost and electricity for the closet, Angels of God also participates in fund-raisers throughout the year. The next is a gingerbread house decorating workshop hosted by Ladybug Candies, which will be held on several days in December. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Angels of God. For more information, visit www.ladybugcandies.com.

We've advertised at craft shows and other events and have had people come in from all over Gloucester County and even Camden and we're just happy to help," said Katelyn. "We've delivered stuff, too, and when it gets closer to the holiday season, we'll go to shelters and set up tables so that kids there can pick out gifts for their parents, something they would not normally have the opportunity to do. I've been volunteering for a long time and doing things like this, giving back to the community, it really does make you feel great."

Gloucester County Times Newspaper- November 27, 2009