Clothing Ministry Volunteer Opportunity

TCM’s used-clothing ministry.  This is an ongoing ministry to provide good used clothing for Christians in Eastern Europe.  We appreciate your interest and concern for those living in countries whose economies have been virtually destroyed by many years of communist oppression.

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:

1. Children's clothing—all sizes for both girls and boys
2. Winter coats and sweaters for both men and women
3. Men's suits or sports jackets.
4. Blue jeans, blouses, and skirts
5. Children's shoes and baby clothing

We urge those who want to help to send only clean clothing, which is still in very good condition.  First, the people there receive these items as gifts from Christians in America.  In a very real sense they represent not only America, but Jesus Christ.  Second, the cost of sending the clothes to Europe is significant.  Obviously, the clothes must be in good condition to justify the cost and show our Christian love.  Following are some guidelines for you to observe as you select and send clothing:

1. Clothing must be currently in style.
2. Do not send double knits.
3. Clothing must be free of holes, no matter how small.  This includes linings of coats or jackets.
4. No stains (no matter how small)!  Examine collars, cuffs, and fronts of garments.
5. All buttons must be sewn in place.
6. All zippers must function properly.
7. Shoes must be cleaned of all dirt.  They must not be badly worn or run over.  If shoes you send need to be polished, include the polish with the shoes.
8. Do not send items of clothing that have had a lot of wear.
9. Remember:  This is a Used-clothing Ministry.  Do not send other items.

     These items are taboo:

1. Tee shirts or sweatshirts with inappropriate messages
2. Bare midriff blouses or dresses
3. Bikini bathing suits
4. 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 and so high 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 will represent a savings to you of somewhere between $48.40 and $81.96 for each 40 pound box.

Obviously, anything as large as an ocean-going shipping container will be 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 will still be dramatically less.  Therefore, 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.  These gifts should be clearly marked or designated "shipping costs" or "container expense."

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:
1.	Each box should weigh not more than 40 pounds for ease of handling.
2.	Please seal the box with packaging tape.
3.	Address each UPS box to:	regular mailed box to:
	Attention: TCM Project	Attention: TCM Project
	Flat Rock Christian Church	Flat Rock Christian Church
	2854 West Pope Street	PO Box 36
	Flat Rock, Indiana 47234	Flat Rock, Indiana 47234
	Telephone:  812-587-5573
4.	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.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND CLOTHING TO INDIANAPOLIS.
We have no storage facilities and no 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.

See Clothing Ministry Photos