NILES — In an effort to help flood victims restore their wardrobe, Brenda Engel is opening up her clothing ministry to those impacted by the flood and allowing them to take an unlimited amount of clothing for free.

The special shopping event for flood victims will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at Evy’s Closet, which is located inside Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St. in Niles. Light refreshments including cookies and coffee will be available.

Those who browse the clothing racks can find clothing for work, school or relaxation. Special for the upcoming Easter holiday, there are a variety of spring dresses in bright floral patterns and other semi-formal wear for shoppers to choose from.

Engel encouraged those affected by the flood to utilize the service.

“We are here to serve them and to help people,” Engel said. “It’s a free resource with good quality clothing. If you are a flood victim you can come in and take what you need.”

In the wake of February’s flooding, residents across Berrien and Cass counties experienced damage to their homes and some were displaced altogether. In Niles, about 46 homes and nine commercial structures were damaged, according to city officials.

In Berrien Springs, a number of residents living in Shamrock Park and River Springs Estates were displaced from their homes, after water from the nearby St. Joseph River flooded the area.

“I saw that there were a lot of people available to help clean out homes and there were cleaning supplies distributed … ” Engel said. “I saw that [clothing] was still a need in the area.”

Engel’s own home on Echo Valley Drive was not spared from the flood waters. While Engel said the damage was not severe and that there was only about an inch of water in her basement, it made her think about those who were likely much worse off. 

Thanks to the community, Engel said the closet has ample donations for those in need. For those impacted by the flooding who cannot make it to the event Thursday, a separate appointment can be set up to browse the closet. To do so, those in need can call the church at (269) 683-7250.

Engel first opened the closet in memory of her late mother Evelyn Bolton, who often lent her seamstress skills to the good of the community. Bolton was a costume designer for Niles High School drama productions and helped to create costumes for the vocal music department. She also was well-known for her generosity and often gave away clothing to those in need, Engel said.

Now, Bolton’s photo sits on a desk in the clothing ministry Engel designed just nine months ago. Bolton said the closet has blossomed since its earliest days of operation. Since becoming available to the Niles community, Engel said they have served more than 60 shoppers in need.

Evy’s Closet is typically open 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays. Shoppers can pick up two items for free, twice a month. For those who experience a tragedy, such as a house fire, Engel said she can set up special appointments to give those in need a prompt chance to get clothing.

People are always encouraged to donate to the closet and can drop items off at the church.  Seasonal summer attire, such as light weight jackets, dresses, shorts and T-shirts, are currently being sought.