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Clothing closet in Newport News helps families in need, helps clothes those who are homeless

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Posted at 1:28 PM, Mar 01, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-01 20:07:04-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va.— Imagine walking into clothing store and picking out what you want for free. That’s now a reality for some families in Newport News, thanks to the city teaming up with two non-profit organizations.

The Clothes Department opened Tuesday at the Four Oaks Day Services and Training Center. It’s a place where low-income families or people experiencing homelessness can get clothes for a job interview or children can pick out clothes for school, all at no charge.

The Heart of Giving and Tori’s Closet have teamed up to expand their clothing offerings to men, women and children who are homeless. Together, they opened The Clothes Department to benefit families in the community.

Non-profit leaders said they saw a huge need for people being able to access suitable clothing.

"When I was homeless, I've gotten clothes from here. It's a great help to the community. I mean, I love being here. I've come in every day," said volunteer Gregory Franklin.

Amy Jones, CEO and president of The Heart of Giving, said, "We don't ask for proof of anything. We just want you to come in and be blessed."

The Clothes Department is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Four Oaks Day Services and Training Center at 7401 Warwick Boulevard.

The facility also offers workforce development assistance and counseling for those in need.

Related: Local nonprofit launches free online clothing store to support transgender community in Virginia