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Love INC. clothing giveaway slated to resume

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Raejene K. Schlenke

JANESVILLE — People in need of clothing during these tough economic times will be glad to know that a free monthly giveaway at Rock Assembly of God, 2232 Hermitage Lane, will resume this month.

The last giveaway was in December.

There was no giveaway in January because Pat Schwab-Markley, who organized the program 13 years ago, stepped away from her leadership role due to health problems.

She will continue to volunteer with the giveaway that now is coordinated between the church and Love INC., which is a network of local churches that come together to provide help for families in crisis.

“We’re in the process of getting volunteers trained,’’ said Raejene Schlenke, executive director.

They include 43 volunteers from Love INC.’s 21 partnering churches, she said.

The volunteers will spend about nine hours each week bringing in donated clothes, sorting through them and putting them away, Schlenke said.

“That will help keep it organized and keep up with the donations coming in,” Schlenke said.

During the week of the giveaway, volunteers will set up tables and clothes, she said.

As in the past, those seeking prayer or who need someone to talk to also will find help.

“There’s going to be a lot of Love INC. volunteers to help with that aspect, too,’’ Schlenke said.

Love INC. has worked closely with Rock Assembly of God and Schwab-Markley in coordinating the ongoing giveaway.

“They did such a great job with it, and there was such a great need of 200 to 300 (people) who came each month. To think that wouldn’t be continuing was sad. It’s really the only free clothing in the area,’’ she said.

Love INC. is organizing the manpower, while the church will continue to provide the building, parking lot and some volunteers, Schlenke said.

In the past, Schwab-Markley put together bags if someone was in need between the giveaway dates.

“But we’re not doing that,” Schlenke said.

“Maybe in the future, but now we want to get volunteers acclimated to man it and do it the right way,” she said.

“I feel privileged that Rock Assembly of God church values Love INC. enough to think we could take on what they’ve been doing these past years. Pat gave us a wealth of knowledge. It’s neat.’’

Donations can continue to be dropped off at the left-hand door of the church, Schlenke said.

However, she stressed, only clothes and bedding will be accepted.