For many years, Hillside United Methodist Church in Goffstown ran the Vestree on North Mast Road, an outreach ministry that offered help to the entire community.

When the Vestree closed in 2008 due to rising fuel prices, Goffstown lost a program that helped to meet the needs of many residents.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church has resurrected this outreach ministry. It is now called the Community Clothing Closet and is located at 9 N. Mast St. in Goffstown.

According to the Rev. William Exner, pastor at St. Matthew’s, Hillside United Methodist donated clothing, and even shelving and racks from the Vestree, to the new outreach program.

“They were very gracious,” said Exner. “They wanted to see this outreach go on, too.”

Exner said there have been formal and informal discussions about beginning this outreach ministry since late January. The final decision to go ahead with plans was made at the annual meeting of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, which included both church clergy and parishioners.

According to Exner, Amy Poisson has been appointed director of the Clothing Closet. The ministry also currently has a group of more than 30 volunteers, as well as youth from Goffstown VolunTEENS.

“Goffstown and the religious community have been very generous,” said Exner. “They give us nothing but support and cooperation. This is the way it ought to be.”

The Community Clothing Closet’s grand opening was Saturday, March 28.

Normal hours for the pantry will coincide with the Goffstown Network Food Pantry’s hours. Hours of operation are Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Currently, the Clothing Closet does not need donations. However, if you would like to volunteer time to sort items or work on the floor, those interested can call Amy Poisson at 497-4641 or St. Matthew’s at 497-2003.

According to Exner, all proceeds the ministry receives through the summer will go to the local clergy association crisis fund, to help Goffstown residents with extraordinary needs.