The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting a clothing drive on Saturday, Jan. 30.

From noon to 5 p.m., community members are invited to bring donations to the LDS church at 527 W. Seventh St. If that time is inconvenient, donations can also be dropped off at the church from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. any Tuesday through Saturday, or during church hours on Sunday.

This clothing drive is an outreach of eight missionaries now serving in Powell. They were serving their missions in other countries, said Elder Kaden Mullin, but when the COVID pandemic began, they were sent back to the United States.

“This [clothes drive] is something we are doing for the first time. There are a lot of people in the community who need some help and after Christmas and New Year’s a lot of people have extra clothes,” he said. So the idea sprang to life to collect those extras and offer them to the community members who need support.

Most wanted is cold weather gear, such as jackets, coats, gloves and socks. There have already been some donations, but the missionaries are hoping for much more.

But meeting the needs of the community doesn’t stop with rounding up warm clothes.

“We have a lot of time and not enough service opportunities,” said Elder Quinn Johnston. Elder, he explained, is a term used to indicate the title bearer is on service mission.

“Just call or text and let us know what they need. We are glad to help with other projects as well,” Johnston said.

Mullin picked up the theme, too.

“We are available for pretty much any manual labor,” he said. “Heavy lifting, we can chop and stack wood. We’d like to help anyone here in Powell.”

Those who request help, whether clothing or household help do not need to be members of the LDS Church, just in need of a hand.

For other clothing donation times, to arrange pick-ups or request help, contact church missionaries at 307-254-3186.

All donated clothing will go to Powell community members.

— By Connie Burcham