Church of the Cross community clothes closet now open

Lilies of the Field Clothes Closet, featuring new and gently used clothing free of charge to patrons, is now open at Church of the Cross (Presbyterian U.S.A.) in Hoffman Estates.

The church, at 475 W. Higgins Road, converted several downstairs classrooms into a community clothes closet to assist people in need. Clothes for men, women, and children are available during the hours of operation, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays; 4-6 p.m. Thursdays: and from 9 -11 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of the month.

"We have set up clothes on racks and shelves like a retail store to allow patrons to choose their own clothing," said Rev. Julie Peterson, the pastor of Church of the Cross. "We are striving to offer a friendly, respectful atmosphere for local people who may be going through difficult times and financial hardship."

The church has purchased new socks and undergarments to go along with gently used clothing donated by church members and the community. The clothes being offered have been washed or dry cleaned, but the church also is offering packets of laundry detergent free to patrons. Initially, the clothes closet is being staffed by volunteers from the congregation.