A colorful collection of shirts, coats and summer dresses are beginning to fill the racks of Evy’s Closet at Wesley United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar St., Niles.

The free women’s clothing closet is slated to kick off with an open house at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 29. But first, the church is seeking help from the community to fill out the racks of the closet.

The closet is in need of more women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and hangers. The donations can be dropped off at the church. Those wishing to contribute can also have the items picked up by the church.

Brenda Engel founded the closet in the name of her mother, the late Evelyn Bolton, who passed away in January. In her memory, the closet will be dubbed Evy’s Closet.

Bolton served as a costume designer for the Niles High School drama club, and she made uniforms for the vocal music department. Bolton was also known for her generosity and often gave away clothing to those in need.

Now, Engel will help to carry on her mother’s mission.

Additionally, Engel said she did not see many options for women in need to get free clothing.

“I kind of observed that we do have an established clothing ministry for children called the Kid’s Closet,” Engel said. “I thought ‘why not have something for adults.’”

Since announcing the project last month, Engel has been able to gather about 100 donation items of clothing. She now has about 10 pairs of shoes and several scarves and accessories to choose from.

“Not everybody can even afford to go to the [thrift store],” Engel said.

Engel said she is hoping to gain a sufficient clothing stock before the closet opens, to offer a variety of items to those in need.

“I want to have enough,” Engel said. “I want to have a balance of things — a balance of pants and shirts and balance of tops.”

Those who visit the closet will be limited to picking two items a visit, twice per month, though there could be exceptions for those facing difficult circumstances. If donations increase, those visiting the closet could also be allowed to take more, Engel said.

Engel encouraged those clearing out their closet to put their unwanted items to a good cause to help aid the church’s mission to care for those in need.

“We are called to take care of people as Christians,” Engel said. “We are called to help feed them, visit the sick, clothe people and in one way or another our church is doing each one of those, but it is the clothing part that we have not been participating in.”

Several clothing racks were donated to help organize the clothing. Engel said she is hoping to see more donations in the future.

“I am hoping to run out of racks,” Engel said.

Donations can also be picked up by calling the church at (269) 683-7250 or by calling Engel at (269) 845-6691. Donation receipts are available for contributions.