Guided by a mission of “Grace Given, Hope Restored,” Painesville Christian Academy recently launched Grace’s Closet, a clothing resource center, after staff encountered families struggling with basic needs, including children without socks or shoes. The academy, offering childcare and preschoo l programs, along with Grace’s Closet, is an extension of Church of the Nazarene at 6235 Chestnut St. and was established in 1967. Genie Simandl, left, Rosie Perez and Donna Reynolds worked together to open Grace's Closet in October 2025. (Jean Bonchak/For The News-Herald) Donna Reynolds serves as the director of PCA along with assistants Rosie Perez and Genie Simandl. Reynolds said she was moved to open Grace’s Closet after encountering a family whose 18-month-old child was wearing his mother’s socks as pants. “I didn’t have an understanding of the magnitude of the problem,” she said. “When you look at the problem straight in the face it’s hard to look away.” In the past three months, Grace’s Closet has provided clothing for more than 60 area children. Items in Grace's Closet are clean and well-organized for children and teens, with sizes ranging from newborn to adult 2X. (Jean Bonchak/For The News-Herald) Simandl said the staff works to create a positive, respectful shopping experience with relaxing music playing while families select items. All clothing is new or gently used, organized by size and neatly displayed. Families can also find toys, blankets, comfort items and new socks and underwear. Donations come from area organizations, parishioners and community members. Items can be dropped off from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at PCA. Needed sizes range from newborn through adult 2X. Donation pickup can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. Grace's Closet, a clothing resource center for the needy at Painesville Christian Academy, is run by Rosie Perez, left, Genie Simandl and Donna Reynolds. (Jean Bonchak/For The News-Herald) Currently Grace’s Closet is especially in need of new underwear and socks, girls’ clothing in sizes 6–8 and all sizes of pajamas. The ministry is exploring a partnership with the Diaper Bank in Ashtabula and hopes to secure diapers soon. Perez noted that the quality of donated items has been consistently good. Some are brand new with tags still attached. “The children are so excited to get new clothes,” Simandl said. “The best part is seeing their faces when it’s all over…the overwhelming happiness they have.” Some clients have later returned to volunteer at the clothing center, and volunteers remain welcome. Help is sought with sorting, organizing and distributing clothing and other support activities. Those in need of Grace’s Closet services are asked to call 440-352-4516 for an appointment. Families may visit up to four times per year, once each season. More information on the clothing center can be found at Painesvillechristianacademy.com. Grace’s Closet is just one of several outreach efforts connected to Painesville Christian Academy and the Church of the Nazarene. Lead Pastor Brian Forney and his wife assist with Lake County’s Code Blue program, which works with area churches organizing warming shelters for residents without heat during extreme cold temperatures. Forney joined the effort eight years ago and now serves as volunteer coordinator. Last winter, Code Blue was activated approximately 10 times. The church also runs a food pantry that is open to the public from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Prior to opening Grace’s Closet, Reynolds launched Project Safe Start, a program that guides families through Ohio Jobs and Family Services applications and connects them with other forms of aid, including area shelters. Reflecting on the church and school’s overall charitable and humanitarian efforts, Reynolds said, “We want to make sure if a family is in need we are helping them to the best of our abilities.” ...read more read less