At Neat Repeats, Many Hands Dress Alden One Free-Will Rack at a Time

Behind Alden Presbyterian Church, the stone church on the corner of Broadway and Crittenden, a small barn with a neon "open" sign is home to Neat Repeats, the church's clothing ministry. It is run by a team of volunteers and supported by the congregation, and Bonnie Hy is quick to say she is just one of them. Nancy Weisbeck nominated Bonnie Hy for this community spotlight.

The ministry began when the Rev. Duncan Nichols heard that people in the community needed clothing and brought the idea to the deacons. The deacons at the time were Margaret Hill, Ann Gilbert and Hy. Hy has been part of Neat Repeats for 32 years.

Before there was a dedicated space, volunteers sorted clothes in the large Christian Education building and hung clothing on the stage. They set everything up the Friday before the first Saturday of the month, opened that morning, then packed it all away before Sunday services. When a hoped-for grant fell through, the church raised money for the ministry. During and after that fundraising, "we added to the barn which then was redone to be our sorting room," Hy said.

Anyone can shop, with or without money. Donations are free will, and what comes in goes back to the community, including Tops gift cards for people who need them. The only thing the shop buys for itself is plastic bags. The rule for what gets hung is simple: if Hy would dress her own children and grandchildren in it, it goes on the rack.

About 10 volunteers sort donations on Tuesday afternoons. Since Hy became administrator of the Neat Repeats Facebook page, it has grown to more than 600 followers, with posts at least twice every week. One recent first Saturday drew 38 shoppers, compared with 10 to 14 before.

The work reaches past the racks. When there is a house fire, or when people move up here and need clothing, Hy and the volunteers put together what is needed.

"This is my ministry. This is my baby," Hy said. "This is a clothing ministry that is dear to my heart, and so many of us feel the same way. This is being God's children."

Nancy Weisbeck met Hy after volunteering at Neat Repeats when she retired in 2018. While recovering and unable to lift more than five pounds, Weisbeck watched Hy take her laundry home and wash it.

"She is completely selfless," Weisbeck said.

Hy credits the people around her. "I am truly blessed to have such wonderful volunteers that have my back and give a lot of their time to keep Neat Repeats and me going and a smile on my face," she wrote.

The volunteers have two requests for donors: underwear and socks are always needed, and please keep the donation bin lid closed.

Neat Repeats is open Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m., the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon and the third Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The shop is at Alden Presbyterian Church, 13298 Broadway. For information, call 716-937-6441.