Single mothers and their children ages 18 and younger, senior citizens on a fixed income and homeless men and women in Flagler County have access to a well-stocked clothing store called Emmanuel’s Closet.
Located at 1000 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Suite 107, the faith-based store strives to create a boutique-like environment for its patrons.
Back in 2021, the words of a sermon Brandi Fowler heard about using the “gifts” each person is given to help others prompted her to create a store where those living paycheck-to-paycheck can afford to purchase quality clothing without paying retail prices.
Every second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families in need are invited to visit the store, fill out a “care card” detailing their information and needs and then fill a bag with clothes meeting the listed needs.
On the fourth Saturday of each month, people who are shopping on behalf of a local family in need are invited to the store to prevent embarrassment for the family. Teachers shopping on behalf of a student’s family or foster parents shopping for minor children in their care or neighbors simply trying to help fill a need are welcome to participate.
Emmanuel’s Closet began at Parkview Baptist Church but within two years the store and its plethora of donations outgrew the space.
An anonymous donor who is not a year-round resident but owns a vacation home in Palm Coast donated the funds to relocate Emmanuel’s Closet to its current location.
Donations can be dropped off at any time in the large white metal donation box located in the store’s back parking lot. Donations can also be made in-person on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 AM to noon.
Current needs include these items freshly laundered: infant clothing, toddler size clothing and shoes, children’s and teen clothing, men’s and women’s professional clothing and shoes.
Appointments to the shop are also taken via the store’s website which is at www.emmanuelsclosetpalmcoast.com.
Those interested in volunteering can send an request for an application via email to: emmanuelscloset@gmail.com.
