Members of the club pose for a picture during their donation drive in 2023. This year’s drive will take place on Saturday, April 12.
The Woman’s Club of Mullica Hill will host a clothing and household goods drive for the needy at Trinity United Methodist on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The club is seeking clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; shoes for all; accessories such as purses, backpacks and hats; linens like blankets, towels and pillows; and small items for the kitchen and office. Also accepted will be toys and games, books, DVDs, CDs, jewelry and curious items.
The donations do not have to be new, but they must be in good condition with no major damage. The club will not accept furniture, mattresses, electronics or appliances. All items must be inside a taped box or a tied bag and they must have a label noting what’s inside.
“We want to help the needy, but we also believe in recycling,” said club member Pam Klopsic. “If you throw them out, they’re going to sit in a landfill somewhere. We figured we could reuse these items and help others at the same time. I just cleaned out my mom’s house recently and found a number of different items. I figured I’ll donate them for others.”
The Woman’s Club has been sponsoring the drive at Trinity UMC for the past few years, with what it calls great success. It also supports other township events and organizations, including the Your Place at the Table food pantry.
“We try to keep all of our fundraisers community-based,” noted Klopsic. “We’re very pro-family and have donated to domestic violence aid charities.”
The club was founded in 1947 by Harrison Township resident Ella Harris, whose name graces a township park in honor of work she did in the community.
“Harris was a very prominent member of the community,” Klopsic explained. “She attended every township meeting, and she helped get many measures passed in the township. She was a very sweet and giving person. I’m glad that I got the chance to meet her.”
The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month from September to May at the church. Women over 18 from the township and beyond are invited to attend its meetings.
“We just wanted to reach out and help others in need,” said Klopsic, “especially in this economy.”
