Clarksburg Closet

At a small Church in Clarksburg, Maryland, a multi-purpose room is turned into a thrift shop for two days a week. Within the last month Cedarbrook Community Church has started its own version of Salvation Army for the local community struggling from the impact of Covid-19. Members of the community along with church members are asked, and invited to bring in gently used goods, such as clothing and furniture. But, unlike Salvation Army stores, Clarksburg Closet provides necessities to community members free of charge. “The Church isn’t in it for the money.” Cedarbrook Community Church member James Petrolle said, “There is a clear need

in the community, and the church family aims to fulfill that need. We’ve all experienced the pain of this pandemic, some more than others, and that’s where the body of Christ steps in.” Over the past decade homelessness in the area was decreasing at amazing rates of almost 28% each year, but at the end of 2019 that hope was stifled by the impact of Covid-19. Now more than ever, churches as well as outreach organizations are doing all they can to support those struggling around them.