Sep 23, 2024
*This story is part of WANE 15’s In Your Hometown series where we will be highlighting three local cities on-air and online during the next few Mondays. GARRETT, Ind. (WANE) — Gina Walker was a long-time member of the First Church of Christ in Garrett, where she was described to have a servant heart. After conjuring up the idea of hosting a clothing drive for her local church, she knew this was a way to give back and help her community. In Your Hometown: Silver Screen Cinema back open after a decade Sadly, Gina passed away in 2017, but her church family was determined to continue her legacy. "There's been so many times that I've wondered how I'm going to be able to have something that will fit me," said Amanda Shaffer, whose been shopping from Gina's Closet for over six years. Each month, families can come in and get up to seven items per person plus toiletries, all free of cost. "I fell on some hard times. It was heartbreaking, because I didn't know what I was going to do, having a winter coat or, something comfortable that fits you is a necessity. People take it for granted," Shaffer said. She initially came for the clothes but says she keep coming back because of the ladies who run the closet. "It's because they have God in their heart. They let that shine through and will literally go and do anything possible." "They sit there, and they will talk to them, and they will pray with them. And I think that is the biggest thing that might be different than maybe other places where they would just go shopping," said Tina Kline, closet manager and one of Gina's good friends. In Your Hometown: Garrett Historic District While Garrett has many resources, organizers say Gina's Closet is the only one giving out free clothes and toiletries to families each month. "We're blessed in this little town that we're really geared to try to help take care of our own that live right here in this community," said Bud Owen, Senior Minister at the First Church of Christ. Through it all, they'd like to think that Gina is looking down at all the work that has been done over the years. "There's no doubt in my mind that she's looking down from heaven and got the biggest smile on her face," Owen said. For more information on Gina's Closet and the First Church of Christ, click here.
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