Clothing Warehouse was already established when Betty Attar came to Innisfil to be closer to her daughter and grandson.

However, Attar, who wanted to be included in his own community, thought he could join.

“When I moved to Innisfil I wanted to volunteer, it was always something close to my heart,” she explains. “I saw this Innisfil Community Church She shared something about the Soul Sisters’ band and shopping night. “So I joined the Soul Sisters (a women’s group affiliated with the church), I didn’t know what it was.”

She started volunteering one day a week, sorting through donations and organizing clothing. He also got to know the community and met many people.

Six years later, Attar becomes the organization’s lead volunteer and helps provide clothing to community members who cannot afford it.

“I took over and made some changes,” says the retired Toronto insurance broker. “I continue to make changes and add hours to myself.”

Originally, clothes were distributed through a monthly shopping night where customers could come in and pick out what they wanted for free. However, demand continued to increase. Then space became tight when the food bank needed some space.

With 75 people working in the room, the situation would quickly become chaotic, Attar said.

That’s why the shopping nights are held twice a month and limited to 40 people, but to ensure more people have access, customers are asked to come only once a month. Part of the job, Attar explains, is making sure there’s enough room to move around.

The program also meets daily needs. Along with the homeless arriving, there are new Canadians, women leaving relationships, and those who work but don’t have enough money to clothe their family members.

Clothing Warehouse helps at least 160 people every month. Last year, 1,700 garbage bags full of clothes were distributed.

“This community has no bars. If I shout that I need a blanket, our parachute will be full the next day. It warms my heart to see the interest of this community. “I have never seen anything like this,” says Attar.

He says that there was a stagnation in donations after the COVID-19 outbreak, but donations have increased again.

Clothing Warehouse runs its annual SOCKtober campaign with support from the Rotary Club of Innisfil to stock up on socks, gloves, underwear and hats ahead of seasonal need.

There are always essentials like socks and underwear, and as winter approaches, gloves and hats come in handy. There is currently a particular need for men’s clothing such as coats, jeans and tracksuits, as well as winter and work boots.

Attar encourages donations but emphasizes the need for clothing. Toys and electronics are not part of the program.

While the program runs year-round, it is closed during December, allowing Attar to work on Christmas baskets, participate in a toy drive and participate in free Christmas Eve meals.

Attar embraced life in Innisfil, arriving here via Toronto, Montreal and Collingwood.

“It was great. I love this place. “I met my fiancée at church,” he says.

The Clothing Depot is run from the Innisfil Congregational Church, where Attar also found a connection.

Raised in the Jewish faith, Attar attended a private Hebrew school and his father was the founder of a synagogue in Toronto. But the church in Innisfil drew him.

After initiation, she attended Bible school and services through the Soul Sisters’ group.

“A few years ago, on Christmas Eve, Pastor Steve (Bradley) asked if anyone wanted to come to Jesus, and my hand went up of its own accord,” he explains, adding that he was baptized the following Easter Sunday. “But I’m still Jewish. I understand both.

“I help all kinds of people, religion doesn’t matter. It’s all about the heart.”