Donations needed for Mustard Seed New Life Community pop-up shop

Oct 26, 2018 | 1:56 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Mustard Seed New Life Community is putting out the call to Kamloops residents for warm clothing donations, ahead of its first ever winter pop-up shop.

Jeff Arlitt, the Outreach Centre Supervisor, says the usual ask for gently used winter clothing has a new twist this year, with donations being given out to patrons through a store-like format. 

“The Mustard Seed in Calgary, they actually do that every year, so we got talking about doing that out here and we think its a fantastic idea. Its just something special and people get the clothing that they need for winter.”

The event will allow those in need of some cold weather attire to come into the outreach centre and try clothes on to see what fits. 

“So from 10 (a.m.) until 2 (p.m.) we’ll be open for that, and we’ll have kind of a grab-and-go lunch, we’ll be making some wraps,” Arlitt says. “We’ll have a few other little things going on, where they can recieve gift cards. We’ll have a crib tournament I think, and some bingo, and just some fun.”

Arlitt says their clothing supply could use a boost with some specific items.

“Gloves, socks, jackets, winter boots, items like that. Long johns, those are all huge during the winter months for sure.”

It’s not just clothing that they’re hoping for either, Arlitt says, with some crucial food items on their wish list as well.

“Coffee is huge. Coffee just gives them something warm to drink, and they just love to spend their day here and drink coffee and socialize. We’re family here, so to offer coffee to our guests is a big thing.”

The winter pop up shop will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m Thursday, Nov. 1, with donations accepted at 181 West Victoria St.