Helping those in need through Catholic Charities’ Personal Needs and Linen Closet

Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, Comerica employees will help distribute toiletries, cleaning supplies and linens they collected for their National Day of Service at Catholic Charities’ Personal Needs and Linen Closet.The Personal Needs and Linen Closet began in 2003 in the basement of the Barnum Resource Center in Partnership Park and has been serving Jackson County residents for 12 years. The closet, a program of Catholic Charities of Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, located at 407 S. Mechanic St. is 100 percent volunteer driven. It serves an average of 110 families per week; providing more than 22,000 items a year.
Families can select five items once a month. Most popular items are laundry soap, dish soap and toilet paper. Other items available are deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotion, soap, diapers, adult diapers, gently used linens, sheets, blankets and towels. In addition to the five items, there also is a “free table” with throw pillows, table decor, curtains, rugs and other donated household items available for families to make selections.
Donations come from service clubs, individuals, schools, churches and area businesses, such as Comerica. “We are truly grateful to partner with Comerica,” said Sue Lewis, executive director of Catholic Charities. “They have given so much to the Jackson Community. Civic minded organizations, like Comerica, allow us to offer those in need, not just the warmth of a blanket, or soap and detergent to stay clean, but a means to preserve their dignity, when they need the help the most.”
If you are interested in donating or to volunteer, contact Kyle Anne Jansen at 517.262.0466 or kjansen.ccjlha@gmail.com.