Saco clothing distribution site needs volunteers

SACO — Got a few hours to spare during the week and want to help the community? A local clothing distribution program could use a helping hand.

Open Hands, Open Hearts was established in 2008 by Elaine Fournier with the mission to provide free clothes for needy children in York County.

Fournier, a local school bus driver, started a clothing shelf in the Saco Food Pantry, but soon found the need was more than a shelf could handle. She launched Open Hands, Open Hearts in a construction trailer on the Saco Food Pantry grounds at 67 Ocean Park Road in Saco, and later, with help from local Rotary clubs and community partners, a permanent space for the clothing distribution center was constructed at the same location, with a basement for storage.

“I’ve seen kids come in here without shoes, and they leave with a new pair of shoes and they’re so happy. Those are the things that makes it worthwhile,” said Fournier.

Since it’s inception, the mission hasn’t changed, and the need for clothing hasn’t subsided. In the past six months, Open Hands, Open Hearts has given away 1,045 shirts, 344 pairs of jeans, 77 sets of pajamas and 259 dresses along with other items likes shoes, socks, underwear and books.

One day, a girl in need of a winter coat came in with a parent, and volunteers couldn’t find one in her size. As Fournier was assisting the girl, searching through all the available coats, someone came in and dropped off the perfect coat in the girl’s size.

“That was a sign it was meant to be,” said Fournier.

Open Hands, Open Hearts has been able to serve the community thanks to donations and volunteers. Fournier said she has three loyal volunteers who have been with her since Open Hands, Open Hearts’ inception, but there are two others who recently had to quit due to health issues.

Fournier is looking for two volunteers who are available a few mornings a week to help register patrons and sort through and hang donations. Those interested can call 207-730-1594.

Open Hands, Open Hearts distributes clothing to York County children from newborn through high school. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the last Tuesday of each month at 67 Ocean Park Road.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.