Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — Subsiding solely on volunteerism and donations, The Closet FROG (Fully Rely On God) has been fulfilling a previously empty niche in Limestone and surrounding areas since April 18, providing men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel with no strings attached.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Mavis Churchill, Shirley Goad, Carol Castle, and a mascot FROG stand in the new ministry center, The Closet FROG, located on Main Street in downtown Limestone. Fritzie Thompson, though absent from the photo, was also part of the steering committee that made The Closet FROG possible. The only thing missing from The Closet FROG are price tags; all items are free, though donations are accepted. The Closet FROG is open to everyone and offers clothing for men, women, and children. The Closet FROG, created by the Limestone United Methodist Church for Limestone and neighboring communities from Van Buren to Canada, is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“There are no price tags on anything,” explained one volunteer, “it's all by donation if donation is possible. We appreciate the donation because it pays our rent.” The Limestone United Methodist Church is currently renting the facility from congregation member David Page.
The Closet FROG, created as a ministry site by the Church, has seen a welcome reception from the community; with shoppers coming from Limestone, Caribou, Van Buren and Canada, not an open day has gone by where The Closet FROG hasn’t had customers; the site was bustling with 37 customers on opening day.
Though roughly one third of the Limestone United Methodist Church congregation volunteers at The Closet FROG, some volunteers are from outside the congregation.
“We call them ‘friends of the Church,’” Pastor Ellen Cleaves explained. About 30 members of a congregation that averages 90 weekly donate their time to The Closet FROG.
The Closet FROG started receiving apparel in March and, once the clothing racks were obtained, they filled up quickly.
"We have had so many donations of clothes that we've had to ask people not to bring them for a few weeks or so because we're so full," Mavis Chuchill said.
“What we're trying to do right now is take some of the heavier items out of the racks and put in more seasonal pieces,” explained Carol Castle.
In the spirit of volunteerism and community, The Closet FROG received some structural assistance of its own from Limestone Job Corps students in the construction of an 11 and a half foot-tall firewall and the interior painting. Though the work was beneficial for The Closet FROG (saving them at least $700 in construction alone, according to Loring Job Corps Center carpentry instructor John Worsley), the Job Corps students also gained practical field experience.
“It was nice to get out of the classroom,” said Loring Job Corps student Tim Dickey of Meddybemps.
This was not the first time students of Job Corps have volunteered their time to assist with the community; Job Corps students previously constructed a handicap accessibility ramp at the Limestone United Methodist Church.
Those interested in donating clothing to The Closet FROG are asked to call 325-4870.
The Closet FROG is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. and on Saturday at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
