Community Clothes Closet opens

Barbara Lawlor

Nederland

Kristi Venditti, Tasha Zaharako and Marnie Copeland were having way too much fun.

“Oooooo, how adorable,” squealed one of them. “Look at this shirt,” as she held up a pink T-shirt with a red heart on the front. The three woman waded around plastic sacks of clothing, pulling out the children’s and adults’ pants, jackets, boots and quality pajamas and play clothes.

Their idea for sharing community clothing was on its way to becoming a reality. On Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., a room in the West Wing of the Nederland Community Center will be filled with clothes free for the taking. Venditti she had noticed how many items were left in the lost and found bins of the schools each year. By the time the parents figured out where their child had lost their jacket, they had outgrown it.

What to do with the still-good stuff that was left behind? They talked to Eldora Mountain Resort, Nederland Middle/Senior High School, TEENS, Inc., and invited others to jump on board, and now they are ready to take and receive.

The concept is to get people moving unused clothing to others who will use it. You walk in, no papers to sign, no questions, no money and take what you need.

The Mountain Forum for Peace has donated racks and hangers from its yard sale to make for easy choosing. Members of the group paid the rent for December but are hoping to work something out with the Town after that.

One bag contained a number of warm, long skirts made from elegant material. Another bag had cool children’s pajamas. A pair of Ugg boots was snatched up. Never worn snowsuits hung waiting for an active home. This is even better than a yard sale.

The Peak to Peak Community Clothing Closet will be open every Saturday, except Dec. 24, and Dec. 31, and donations may be dropped off on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.