04/04/2022
NEWS RELEASE
From Waukee Area Christian Services April 4, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Waukee Area Christian Services begins offering clothing
For the past 16 years Waukee Area Christian Services (WACS) has been meeting food, medical and other needs in Dallas County. Thanks to a recent merger, this week the organization has begun meeting children’s clothing needs, too.
When the leadership of Dallas County Closet decided to retire after several years of operation, WACS agreed to merge the closet into its operation at 1155 S.E. Boone Drive in
Waukee. The merger was effective on April 1.
“We’ve been working with WACS for years, sharing resources and referring clients,”
explained Ruth Heithoff, former president of the Dallas County Closet. “To combine the ability
to shop for food and clothing under one roof makes sense for everyone.”
Waukee Area Christian Services executive director Melissa Stimple said today, “We’re
grateful to provide this additional service.” She explained that the clothing closet offered by
WACS will give their clients direct and discreet access to needed clothing free of charge.
Initially the clothing closet will offer children and ’tween sizes 4-16 only as those are the
sizes that have historically been in highest demand. Stimple said it has been shown that
students wearing suitable clothing are able to focus on their schoolwork without feeling self-
conscious about their lack of clean or well-fitting clothes.
Other food pantry wrap-around services offered by WACS include basic hygiene
products, medical care, emergency financial assistance, the Dwelling Place stable housing
program, case management, client assistance with outside services and seasonal bonus
programs.
WACS also shares facilities with the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
On April 29 the community will come together to celebrate the merging of the two
nonprofit organizations during WACS’ 2022 Creating Connections Gala fund raiser. Founders
and key leaders of the Dallas Clothing Closet will be honored and recognition given to board
members, donors and volunteers who made the organization a large success.
For more information, contact Melissa Stimple at 515-987-5523 or
[email protected]
