Basic Needs Ministry

What is the value of one set of clothes?

Perhaps nothing to a nudist, except not being arrested while walking down the street or as protection against poison ivy. But,

  • For many children who fled their abusive homes with only the clothes they wore, one set of clothes would double their wardrobe. Perhaps they were in pajamas when they arrived at a foster parent’s house, one set of clothes would be all they would have to wear to school and church, to play and work.
  • For the couple hitching rides across the state, one set of clothes simply meant a change of clothes. The unwashed clothes they wore out would go to the trash.
  • For the child who out grew his last set of clothes, one set of clothes meant he could button his shirt and his belly would stay warmer and he would regain his dignity.
  • For the child who arrived at school without socks, shoes, and winter coat, one set of clothes would mean being warm while waiting for the bus and during the ride to school and not facing the laughter from the other children.
  • For the senior citizen who sits all day in her chilly home, one set of clothes could bring her the sweater to keep her arms from shivering.
  • For the child wearing hand-me-downs, one set of clothes could replace those stained, faded, and pin-holed garments that only partially survived the older child.
  • For the unemployed, one set of clothes could make that precious first impression on an employer, which leads to a new job.
  • For those wanting a career on stages, one set of clothes would make their act unique.
  • For the rare opportunity to dress up for a special occasion or wedding, one set of clothes could make the difference on whether the invitation is accepted.
  • For the theme event, one set of clothes could make the difference between standing out and outstanding.
  • For an individual driving to work, one set of clothes could save her enough money for gas to drive over 800 miles, eat for 3 weeks, have a complete eye checkup, or pay the co-pays for six visits to the doctor.
  • For the roofer, one set of clothes would provide pants with the knees still in them, which would protect his knees while working.
  • For the farmer, one set of clothes would provide the long sleeve flannel shirts to keep him warm while working in the fall.
  • For the waitress, one set of clothes would provide a uniform that would not be paid out of her small salary.

- written in early 2005