Clothes closet inspired by late educator
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WELLSBURG -- Barbra Beatty said she was sitting in church one Sunday when the pastor asked the congregation what gifts they have been given to serve God.
"I thought, I don't have a gift," said Beatty until she realized she had experience running a clothing consignment store for three years prior to the pandemic.
Beatty said while she no longer had items from her Wellsburg store, she could appeal to the community for clothing that could be offered to area residents in need.
She and her husband, Jay, discussed the idea for a few months and it was the death in December of Kenneth Hart, a retired educator and member of the Foundry Church's advisory council, that spurred her to action.
"I said, I want to include him in some way because of the level of caring he had for everyone," said Beatty.
"For anybody that met him, he impacted you in a positive way."
Beatty said her husband had been a pupil at the former Bethany Primary School when Hart taught there, while she got to know him through their church.
With support from the church's district and local leaders, Beatty set about converting a vacant room there for use as the clothes closet.
She said since announcing the effort, she has received many donations and about 14 fellow church members have helped her to sort them. She noted its sign was created by Jim and Jo Ellen Haizlett.
Beatty said she will continue to accept clothing and accessories for men, women and children. She said any monetary donations should be made in care of the church, which is at 1340 Washington Pike.
Beatty said she has priced the items at a dollar or two so a fund can be established to help families dealing with a crisis, but no one will be turned away because they are unable to pay.
For that reason, the clothes closet isn't strictly limited to those in financial need.
Beatty said she prefers items for the current season and can only accept underwear and socks that are unused, adding everything should be in good condition.
She said a local doctor's office donated small soaps and shampoos, which are being offered free to everyone, and the clothes closet may add toiletries in the future if there's sufficient demand.
Beatty noted the church has a Blessing Box in which people can leave and pick up non-perishable food for those in need.
Located on the west side of the church, the clothes closet will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month.
Those with questions may call (304) 737-0186 or send a message through the church's Facebook page.
Sandie Hart said she's pleased to see her late husband honored in such a way.
Ken, who was 74, had worked in Brooke County Schools for 33 years, serving as a teacher and principal, including assistant principal at Brooke High School.
Sandie said she has heard from many former students who were helped by him, adding, "He kept a lot of kids from dropping out."