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The Salvation Army clothing closet in Farmington, New Mexico, started in 2022, after it “rose from the ashes of an old thrift store” that had closed the year prior, Farmington Corps Officer Lt. Christopher Rockwell said.
“The underlying need arose from recognizing the difficulties faced by vulnerable individuals, such as disaster survivors, people experiencing homelessness and those experiencing financial hardship, who lacked access to clean and appropriate clothing,” Rockwell said. “The initiative arose from a strong sense of compassion and a desire to restore dignity and hope to those in need.”
Today, the clothing closet builds visitors’ confidence and strengthens volunteers’ sense of connection to the community.
Rockwell said each guest can come once a month to the clothing bank, which is open from 10 a.m. until noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Jennifer Reeves, Rockwell’s assistant and a social services officer at the community center, said the clothing bank typically serves about 60 people per week. Some weeks, however, as many as 100 individuals need clothing or a blanket.
Behind the clothing closet is a donation bin where people can drop off items. Some clothing goes to families experiencing homelessness or who have low incomes, while other items go to local organizations, like the United Way, schools, hospitals and veterans groups.
“The provision of clothing in the clothes closet has had a substantial positive impact on their lives,” Rockwell said. “It has not only met their basic clothing needs but also lifted their spirits, restored their dignity and given them back confidence by providing clean, stylish and appropriate clothing. This empowers individuals to navigate their daily lives with renewed optimism and a greater sense of self-worth.”
The clothes closet also has a positive impact on the environment. Rockwell said The Salvation Army accepts donations of gently used clothing items, then repurposes and redistributes them.
“The clothes closet, a model of sustainability, plays a crucial role in preventing clothing from ending up in landfills and instead gives them a new lease on life,” Rockwell said. “Any items that cannot be directly distributed are repurposed or recycled, contributing to a sustainable approach that minimizes environmental impact and reduces clothing waste.”
The operation is aided by volunteers—usually about six people, Rockwell said, but there can be as many as 10-12. Often, volunteers are recovering from “drugs, alcohol, hurts, habits and hangups,” Rockwell said.
“This empowers individuals to navigate their daily lives with renewed optimism and a greater sense of self-worth.”
Lt. Christopher Rockwell, Farmington Corps Officer
Some people just show up to the clothes closet and are willing to help, while others get in touch via the corps’ Facebook page, he said. Helping at the clothes closet connects volunteers with the community and gives them a stronger sense of empathy for their neighbors.
“Volunteers’ involvement holds significant meaning as it provides them with a profound sense of purpose, fulfillment and the opportunity to actively contribute to the well-being of their fellow community members,” Rockwell said.
Tim Davis volunteers at the clothing closet twice a week. On Wednesday evenings, he makes sure the on-site, upper floor chapel is clean for guests to attend Celebrate Recovery, a small group with dinner and a Bible study to facilitate recovery. On Thursdays, he prepares snack packs for guests at the clothing bank.
Davis said he’s been volunteering at the clothing closet since summer 2023. He had previously been involved with a different nonprofit across the street. When it closed, a fellow volunteer suggested Davis try The Salvation Army, and he’s been involved with the clothing bank ever since.
“It’s very rewarding to help out those who are in need,” Davis said. “It feels great to give back to the community, and I think what Lt. Rockwell is doing is a blessing and making a difference.”
According to Rockwell, serving at the clothing bank transforms and heals volunteers as they affirm visitors’ dignity. It also teaches them hands-on skills as they sort and organize clothing ranging from jeans and scrubs to maternity dresses.
“Volunteers find a sense of belonging and personal growth through their involvement in the clothes closet as they actively serve others,” Rockwell said. “Giving back and supporting their community becomes a powerful means of personal recovery, allowing volunteers to find strength, hope and a renewed sense of agency as they witness the positive impact of their efforts on the lives of those they serve.”
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