TCM's Clothing Ministry
Each year TCM ships a container of good used clothing to various locations throughout Eastern Europe. We are thankful to Flat Rock Christian Church, Flat Rock, IN for opening up their old church building to receive, sort, box, and pack the containers each year. Without their help and that of the many volunteers who assist them each year, this ministry would not be possible. Thank you for all that you do!
TCM's containers reach more people than we can possibly know. When containers are received in-country, our contacts work with local churches, non-governmental organizations, and sometimes governmental agencies to distribute the clothing to those in need. Working with these other entities opens up opportunities to share the love of Christ with those who do not know Him.
Top: Loading clothes at Flat Rock; Bottom: Families receiving clothing
To set up a time to help sort, pack boxes, or help load a container, please call Flat Rock Christian Church (812.587.5573) for dates and times.
We need clothing of all kinds and for all seasons, especially the following:
- Children's clothing - all sizes for both girls and boys
- Winter coats and sweaters for men and women
- Men's suits or sports jackets
- Blue jeans, blouses, and skirts
- Children's shoes and baby clothing
We urge those who want to donate to send clean clothing in very good condition. The people overseas receive these items as gifts from Christians in America. In this way, the clothes reflect both American kindness and the love of Jesus Christ. Additionally, the clothes need to be in quality condition to justify the significant cost of sending the shipping container to Europe. Below are some guidelines to help you as you select and send clothes:
- Clothing must be currently in style.
- Do not send double knits.
- Clothing must be free of holes, no matter how small. This includes linings of coats or jackets.
- No stains, no matter how small! Examine collars, cuffs, and fronts of garments.
- All buttons must be sewn in place.
- All zippers must function properly.
- Shoes must be cleaned of all dirt and not badly worn. If shoes require polishing, include the polish with the shoes.
- Do not send items of clothing that have a lot of wear.
- This is a used-clothing ministry. Do not send other items.
These items are taboo:
- T-shirts or sweatshirts with inappropriate messages
- Bare midriff blouses or dresses
- Bikini bathing suits
- Any clothing that would not be appropriate for Christians to wear
Because postal rates for mailing clothing directly to Eastern Europe were climbing so rapidly, TCM's clothing ministry was threatened with severe curtailment. Flat Rock Christian Church in Flat Rock, Indiana accepted the challenge to drastically reduce these shipping costs by setting up a program to receive the boxes of clothing here in the U.S.. This method of shipping saves you somewhere between $48.40 and $81.96 for each 40 pound box.
Please follow these instructions:
- Each box should weigh no more than 40 pounds for ease of handling.
- Please seal the box with packaging tape.
- Use your return address or the name and address of your church on the outside of the box. Also indicate if you are sending more than one box: e.g., box 1 of 5; box 2 of 5, etc.
Address each UPS box to:
Attention: TCM Project
Flat Rock Christian Church
2854 West Pope Street
Flat Rock, IN 47234
Address each regular mail box to:
Attention: TCM Project
Flat Rock Christian Church
PO Box 36
Flat Rock, IN 47234
Telephone: 812.587.5573
Undoubtedly, soemthing as large as an ocean-going shipping container is a major expense item. However, since the weight and volume capacity will permit the combining of boxes from many churches and individuals, the per pound cost is dramatically less. It will help us if some of the savings in shipping costs can be passed along to TCM to cover the cost of the shipping container. We suggest a gift designated for "shipping costs" or "container expense" of 30 cents per pound (or $12 for each 40 pound box) be given to help pay for the container.
You may send your gift to help with shipping costs to TCM, designating it for that purpose. Your gift to help send the clothing to Europe will be receipted as a tax-deductible contribution.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CLOTHING TO INDIANAPOLIS
We do not have storage facilities or staff to handle the clothing.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND CLOTHING BY COMMERCIAL TRUCKING TO FLAT ROCK CHRISTIAN CHURCH
They will have to return them unloaded because of lack of personnel and equipment for handling this kind of shipment.
THANK YOU!