Three times a week First Baptist Church of Ironton opens up its clothes closet for anyone in need in the county.

But right now, that closet is bulging from the largess of its members so a special giveaway is planned for the day before Easter, April 4, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

“We have a variety of stuff,” Lisa Smith, closet coordinator, said. “Lots of men’s clothes, some dress shirts. We have tons of clothes for women. They are all donations from within our church family.”

Also there will be children’s clothes to give away.

“We will have some tables set up outside by the Faith and Fitness Center,” she said. “We will have free hot dogs and have some deacons there to interact with the people.”

Smith just took over coordinating the closet that the church has operated for the past five years. She understands personally how such a ministry can help.

“I have four kids and I have been blessed by people who have given me stuff,” she said. “The church has been really good about giving clothes.”

For the tri-weekly closet, those interested should call the church at 740-532-1240 to make an appointment with Smith, who will meet them to look over the clothes.

“We do have a limit,” she said. “We have to have a limit and can’t let someone come in and get four or five suits. That is so everyone can benefit.”

The closet opens on Wednesday night, Saturday and Sunday.

Smith has also started a Cinderella ministry that will provide homecoming and prom dresses for teens and pre-teens.

“Those dresses are so expensive and it is so nice to have a really nice dress,” she said.

The idea is for a girl to wear the gown to her special event, then return it to the church, where it will be dry-cleaned and available for another wearer.

If the special Saturday event is successful, Smith wants to conduct it twice a year.

“We will see how it goes,” she said.