Imagine arriving at a skilled nursing center with only the clothes you’re wearing. For some residents at Christian Health Care Center, this is their reality. Some join our community with little to no clothing, and without family or loved ones to provide for them.
It is not only new residents who need clothing items. “Sometimes, residents gain or lose weight and their clothes no longer fit,” said Jenaye Phillips, director of social services at CHCC.”
When residents do not have family or friends who can purchase or replace clothing, CHCC staff do their best to source what is needed, sometimes finding items in a lost-and-found bin or asking fellow coworkers if they have clothing to share. That is a time-consuming process. Providing clothing will be faster and easier with a well-stocked emergency clothing closet, which is now being set up at CHCC.
“Wearing a piece of new clothing that fits can mean a lot to someone living in a long-term care community,” said Phillips.
CHCC is hosting Clothing for Care, a community-driven event from March 17-28 to help stock a new emergency clothing closet. This resource ensures every resident has warm, comfortable clothing that can be laundered in commercial machines.
How can you help?
Community members are asked to help provide specific unisex clothing for residents in need. Items that are comfortable, easy for residents to put on and take off, and durable enough to withstand frequent high temperature laundering in commercial machines have been carefully selected by CHCC. For convenience, an Amazon Wish List with items, sizes and quantities needed has been created.
Ways to donate
- Ship directly to CHCC using our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/8teK1Hn
- Purchase clothing from the pre-determined list and drop off at CHCC: 855 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264
Spread the word
Not everyone thinks about the clothing needs of people living in long-term care centers in our community. You can help by sharing this donation opportunity with people who may be interested in purchasing a wish list item, including friends, family, neighbors, church communities and businesses.
Thank you for supporting CHCC’s residents with warmth, comfort, dignity and care. If you have any questions about this clothing drive event, please contact Jenaye Phillips at 360-354-4434.