A friend in need is a friend in deed, and one local church is working hard to make sure those in need have the clothing necessary for everyday life.

The Young Matron Club of New Pilgrim Baptist Church is beginning a clothing ministry and donations are needed to make the program a success.

Charity Welcher, club member and event organizer, said the idea was one based on fellowship and the desire to give back to the community.

“Times are hard; there’s no denying that,” Welcher said. “There are a lot of people out there who don’t have the money to purchase school clothes or even buy things that are necessary for themselves.

“The ladies in our club decided we could do something about that,” she said.

Welcher said the group has made it their mission to “clean out their closets” and solicit donations from the community to create the clothing ministry.

“Our goal was to have everything ready before school started and we’ve done it,” she said. “This is going to be an event where people can come and get what they need at a place where they feel welcome.”

Those wishing to take advantage of the clothing ministry may do so at no cost, Welcher said.

“We’ve got something for everyone — man, woman, child, young or old,” she said.

The ministry will be open Sat., Aug. 8, at 7 a.m. at New Pilgrim Baptist Church. To get there, take State Hwy. 84 West to River Falls; at the first caution light, turn on State Hwy. 59 North. The church is about a mile up the road on the right.

Welcher said the 35-plus member club is made up of women from several area churches, and meets each Monday following the second and fourth Sunday. Everyone is invited to attend.

For more information or to give donations, call Charity Welcher at 222-9011 or 334-208-2221 or Margaret Wright at 222-5877.