First Baptist Closes Clothing Donation Shed Following Rash of Attempted Robberies

 Thanks to First Baptist Church of Westwood for contributing this news to Westwood Minute.

The First Baptist Church of Westwood has recently announced that, effective Friday, August 11, 2023, it will be closing its St. Pauly Textile used clothing donation shed. The shed, located in the church’s parking lot at 808 High Street, has been robbed several times and, despite the best efforts of the church, St. Pauly’s Textile, and the Westwood Police Department, including several arrests, attempted robberies have appeared to continue. The Church Council realizes that activity at the shed is difficult to monitor because it cannot be seen by those driving by on High Street. It has, therefore, determined that it would be prudent to remove the shed before a more serious incident might occur.

The church is exceedingly grateful for all of the donations from the community since the shed was installed in January, 2018, and for the ongoing coverage of this project by the local press. St. Pauly Textile Inc. is a Western NY based, family-owned, for-profit company founded in 1996. It works with non-profit organizations to set up used clothing drop-off sheds to collect gently used textile items that are then distributed to people in need, both here in the U.S. and over 40 countries worldwide. First Baptist has been pleased to partner with them in this effort.

For those who wish to continue supporting the work of St. Pauly Textile, the church advises that the First Congregational Church in Norwood, located at 100 Winter Street, has a St. Pauly shed in its parking lot. They have not had similar problems, perhaps because their shed can be clearly seen by those passing by, and they have said they will gladly accept donated clothing items.

A reminder from First Baptist is that St. Pauly Textile accepts the following items: clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, curtains, pillowcases, and stuffed animals. It is important to note that all clothing should be in good, wearable condition. Donations should be placed in plastic bags to protect them from the elements and for the safety of those people maintaining the shed.

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