'Everybody goes through tough times'

A commercial space in downtown Hartley is stocked to the gills with apparel, but none of it's for sale.

That's because it's all free.

Hartley Community Outreach opened its doors last month in the former Med-Equip Pharmacy building located at 141 S Central Ave. Mari Howard, who owns the building with her husband, Rusty, spearheaded the idea for the charity along with Holly Myers, Mindy Jo Alesch and Louise Fennell. So far they've been offering clothes, toys and baby items to families in need.

"It's free and they can take whatever they need," said Howard. "We will not ask questions and we aren't taking names. It's completely private."

Hartley Community Outreach was born out of abundance. Howard's grandson had outgrown much of his wardrobe, and she and her daughter were hoping someone else could find good use for it.

They gathered it all up and put the word out on Facebook. Since they had a large building to house it all, the pair figured they would host a few weekends of giveaways and be done with it.

They were wrong.

"People kept calling and asking if they could donate, so it turned into this," Howard said.

The ball has kept rolling over the past month. The sprawling building is now full of tables with clothes and other goods, all of which is free for the taking.

Myers noted the timing for Hartley Community Outreach couldn't have been better. With many families' incomes affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, assistance in any form is vital.

"It's just hard right now for everybody," she said. "Many people are not working or have gotten their hours cut, and then you can't pay your bills."

While clothes comprise the bulk of inventory, Hartley Community Outreach will also accept small household appliances, cookware and other household goods.

"Especially now, people are coming on hard times," said Myers. "They don't have just a simple thing like a toaster because maybe they can't afford it, but a lot people might have a toaster that's collecting dust to give away."

Hartley Community Outreach is accepting all donations of good-quality items. Monetary contributions are also welcome, and organizers are also hoping to raise money to sponsor a family or multiple families during the holidays.

Howard said the group would eventually like to get certified non-profit status for Hartley Community Outreach, which would open up grant opportunities and other funding sources.

"We want to keep this going," she said.

In the short-term, the charity needs winter coats, gloves, hats, boots and other cold-weather items to offer patrons. Clothing racks and hangers are also needed so people can browse through merchandise more easily.

Anyone who would like to utilize Hartley Community Outreach can contact Howard through Facebook or via text message or phone call at (712) 363-0403. The charity is not exclusive to Hartley residents, but rather anyone in need.

"If anyone needs help, let us know and we will do what we can," said Myers. "Everybody goes through tough times, and nobody should have to go through it alone."