PARKS & GLENN: Highest and best use in Big Lake

BIG LAKE — A guiding principle of real estate development is that a property should serve its “highest and best use”, typically pointing to maximum wealth creation. At the Big Lake Community Clothing Closet, the all-volunteer staff has created a unique arrangement. While its budget is bare bones, and funded entirely by community donations, the highest and best use of this secondhand shop cannot be quantified. The reason? Items are not for sale, but rather the doors are opened once a week, and everything is given away for free. To anyone. Shoppers are often facing dire financial circumstances. The Clothing Closet stands ready to help. “We have everything you need for a house, except the big appliances and furniture — we’ll take it all” explains co-manager Jeff Antill of the donated goods which come directly from area locals.

His partner in this endeavor, Christy Ward, a dynamic, weathered blonde whose energy animates the small space, is ready for anything or anyone who comes through the door. Her nail polish usually matches her tie dye or other accessories, and her measured warmth feels like Stevie Nicks/Mother Teresa mash-up. On a recent Wednesday she greeted me from her modest office, seated on the floor surrounded by a dozen white bags stuffed with clothing, like a pillowy cloud. As she sprung to her feet, a small dog tumbled out and skittered around the room before being contained. A larger dog loped through the gathering while clothing was sorted and stories were being shared. Christy credits landlord Casey Steinau with granting a lease to the organization seven years ago, when due to closure of the church which originally housed them, new space was needed. “She gave us three months, totally rent-free, which just made this possible when it otherwise may not have come together,” Christy said.

The bright green building in the center of town holds a happy hum of volunteers on Tuesdays, in preparation for its public hours on Wednesdays. This crew is not formally organized, simply trusting that workers will show up to process the donations. Many of the Tuesday regulars say they prefer to work behind the scenes, avoiding Wednesdays and its tendency for heavy traffic and crowded quarters. Even while closed to the public, the 600 square feet is being maximized, with a half dozen clothing racks, three bookcases, tables and shelves devoted to jeans, khakis, and childrens’ shoes. The perimeter of the room is stacked with baby clothes, and rubber totes line the floor, holding toys, scrubs, swimwear, and more shoes. Between the large windows are housewares and craft supplies. While this is not a curated boutique by any means, there is a surprising degree of order to be found. Workers know what’s available, often having handled each piece themselves. Longtime volunteer Dorothy Hilla says, “You might be surprised to know how often we have just what someone is looking for.”

All of the volunteers came through word of mouth. When asked why she chose this outlet for her charitable labor, Miki Entwisle says wryly, “These people like me.” Her initial forays to the Clothing Closet were specific: gathering clothing for the departing prisoners whom her husband oversaw at Goose Creek Correctional Facility, 13 miles south of Big Lake. “Many of them had no shoes. You know what happens then? The corrections officers buy them for them, out of their own pocket.”

BLCCC fills that gap. To ask the volunteers why they continue to serve is to hear a clear theme: fellowship. Much like spending time at the beauty salon or a favorite coffee shop, it’s the familiar faces and bonds with each other that seem to draw them there each week. The goodwill of this casual, close-knit bunch extends to their clientele, who range from middle-class moms on a budget to those in crisis. Jessie Willams, a woman of about 30, offers her gratitude for the work of Ward, specifically.

“I’m currently living in my van,” Williams said. “If not for her, I wouldn’t have what I need,”

Ward seems easily suited for the role of grassroots social worker, matching needs and making connections. There’s no whiff of judgment, which, she says, is key for volunteers. “You know, if anyone gets bitter or judgmental, they just don’t tend to last too long.” Antill, a robust presence with twinkling eyes and endless patience, echoes with their low-maintenance creed: “We have no drama.”

A few signs are taped up, informing patrons that goods offered here are not for resale. Despite the explicit instruction, they’re often aware when people violate the rule, but carry on in good humor. After all, it’s not enforceable and they’re sympathetic to those in desperate circumstances or operating from poor judgment.

Last summer, their customized parking barricade was stolen during business hours. In the past seven years they have only been closed one week, when in response to the Sockeye Fire they restricted the distribution to fire victims only. While wintertime brings its own set of challenges, Antill declares, ‘if my car can get here, we’re open.’ According to Ward, they serve about 80 people per week. A clipboard near the door sits under a donation box, allowing shoppers to essentially ‘sign out’ with anonymous details about how many bags they’ve filled, hometown and any cash they can offer.

There are no qualifying forms, no demographics gathered, no mandatory assessments and no restrictions on quantity. They’re too busy for that. No proselytizing, and no introductions are forced. You’re a regular when you say you are. One such regular, identifying himself as Grey Fox, made his Tuesday pit stop, dropping off donations he had just purchased at a nearby thrift store. He visited briefly, bringing good news of the sale on DVD movies down the road. To linger here is to witness more than material needs being met —- organically, the Community Clothing Closet provides both clothing and community for those who come seeking either.

After 58 years in Minnesota, Hilla and her husband came north to Alaska to live near their children. Today, Hilla’s husband is waiting in the car, so she quietly bids her friends goodbye for the day. Antill shakes his head. “You know, in three years I think I’ve seen Dorothy sit down twice,” he said. “She’s as faithful as they come.”

One volunteer regularly drives from Wasilla, after retiring from Anchorage and finding a home in Big Lake because it’s “A neat little community; we have a lot of fun,”

Another flew north with young children, moving from California and leaving much of her own household belongings behind. After receiving help from the Clothing Closet, she has now joined as their newest volunteer. A veteran helper takes care of recycling and looks after the mail.

On their wish list is a larger space, with tentative plans to partner with the Big Lake Food Bank in a expanded building. All agree that a bathroom, which they don’t currently have onsite, would be a blessing.

Amidst the clamor, Christy recalls a precept of Scripture, Luke 3:11, as her primary inspiration: "He who has two coats, let him give to he who has none.”

They are always seeking donations. Beyond the immediate needs of their neighbors, helpers at the BLCCC are preparing for an annual event. The sixth annual spaghetti dinner takes place May 20, and is the Clothing Closet’s major fundraiser. Silent Auction items are being accepted and $10 tickets are available. All donations are tax-deductible. More information can be found through the Clothing Closet’s Facebook page or by calling Jeff at (907) 903-1902.