The Sharing Locker has returned to Westminster Unitarian Church on Kenyon Avenue this fall, with the opening of the church's new parish hall.

The Sharing Locker is Westminister's part of the town churches' social service offerings, providing non-food pantry items to people in need, such as deodorant, shampoo, razors, liquid dish detergent, toilet paper, paper towels and dry pet food.  

A variety of churches in town provide other services, including food (St. Luke's hosts the Eucumenical Food Cupboard), clothing (the Lutheran Church runs a Thrift Shop); and furniture (Christ Church coordinates the Furniture Connection).

On the Sharing Locker's Saturday in October, many people stopped by Westminster for items. Registered clients can go straight upstairs where they receive items; new clients must first register and get a card. Clients fill out paperwork and put in orders of what they need. Volunteers fill these orders from the non-food pantry as clients browse through the room with extra items. Clients could take a few extra items while they waited, and then they picked up their orders at a table.

“We take anyone who has a need. We take them on their word that they need things,” said Celia Humphreys, who helps with the program.

She said they usually serve more than 120 clients a month.

Donations to the program come from members of the church, residents, and local businesses. Critter Hut, CVS, Dave’s Market, Dunkin’ Donuts, Petco, Stop N Shop, Target and Trader Joe’s are among the local businesses that help out.

In addition, the East Greenwich Rotary Club, the First Baptist Church in E.G., the Greenwich Bay Women’s Club, and St. Luke’s Mission Committee also give community donations.

A fund established in the name of deceased church member Karen Kelly contributes to donations as well. Kelly passed away suddenly this past September. The Karen Kelly Memorial Fund contributes mainly to school supplies in August and Christmas gifts in December.

Humphreys said anyone in the community can donate to The Sharing Locker.  Books, used clothes, non-perishable food, and other items were out for people to take as well. Money can be donated to buy items for the non-food pantry, and people in the community can donate their time as well.

“Any member of the community can come help out,” said Humphreys.

Anyone interested in donating items, money, or time to The Sharing Locker can call the Westminster Unitarian Church at 884-5933.