When Betty Attar arrived in Innisfil to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter, the clothing depot was already established.

But Attar, who was looking to immerse herself in her community, thought she could participate.

“When I moved to Innisfil, I wanted to volunteer, it’s always been close to my heart,” she explains. “I saw the Innisfil Community Church posted something about the Soul Sisters group and their shopping party. So I joined the Soul Sisters group (a women’s group linked to the church), I didn’t know what it was.

She began working as a volunteer one day a week, collecting donations and organizing clothing. She also got to know the community and met a lot of people.

Six years later, Attar is the organization’s primary volunteer, helping provide clothing to community members who can’t afford it.

“I took over and made some changes,” says the retired Toronto insurance broker. “I keep making changes and adding hours.”

Initially, the clothes were distributed at a monthly shopping evening where customers could come and choose what they wanted for free. But demand continued to increase. And then the space was reduced when the food bank needed space.

Attar said the situation would quickly become chaotic as 75 people worked in the room.

The shopping evenings were therefore organized twice a month and were limited to 40 people, but customers are invited to come only once a month to ensure access for more people. Part of the job is also making sure there’s enough for everyone, Attar says.

The program also meets daily needs. There are homeless people arriving, as well as new Canadians, women leaving relationships and those who are working but don’t have enough money to clothe their family members.

The Clothing Depot helps at least 160 people each month. Last year, she distributed 1,700 trash bags filled with clothes.

“This community is second to none. If I yell that I need blankets, our chute is full the next day. It warms my heart to see the care provided to this community. I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Attar.

There was a lull in donations after the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, but donations have picked up.

The clothing depot hosts the annual SOCKtober drive with support from the Rotary Club of Innisfil to stock up on socks, gloves, underwear and hats ahead of seasonal needs.

There’s always a need for basics, like socks and underwear, and as winter approaches, gloves and hats tend to come in handy. Currently, there is a specific need for men’s clothing like coats, jeans and sweatpants as well as winter and work boots.

Attar encourages donations but emphasizes the need for clothing. Toys and electronic devices are not part of the program.

And although the program runs year-round, it is closed during the month of December, which allows Attar to work on Christmas baskets, get involved in the toy drive as well as the free dinners at Christmas Eve.

Attar embraced life in Innisfil, having found his way here via Toronto, Montreal and Collingwood.

“It’s been incredible. I love it here. I also met my fiancé at church,” she says.

The clothing depot is run by Innisfil Community Church, where Attar also found a connection.

Raised Jewish, Attar attended a private Hebrew school and her father was one of the founders of a synagogue in Toronto. But the church in Innisfil attracted her.

She attended school and Bible services after starting in the band Soul Sisters.

“A few years ago, on Christmas Eve, Pastor Steve (Bradley) asked if anyone wanted to come to Christ and my hand went up of its own accord,” she explains, adding that She was baptized the following Easter Sunday. “But I’m still Jewish. I understand both.

“I help all kinds of people, regardless of religion. It’s all about the heart. »