By John McIntyre
In April 2023, Marsha Bilbrey and John McIntyre - two members of Christ United Methodist Church in Warner Robins - presented to the church’s leadership board the possibility of starting a clothes bank specifically for children. The idea was to help parents and guardians provide for their children, newborn through high school, with clothes, shoes, accessories and more.
Marsha and John started meeting to lay out plans of what was needed - fixtures, hangers, signage, rules, tables, etc. - and exactly how to start accumulating the right types of clothes. With a rough template of what work needed to be done, what supplies were needed, how to communicate, and a timeline for opening, they decided to try and open, even if only in a limited way, in August 2023. This timeline would match the beginning of the school year.
Before opening, they needed a name for the clothes bank. They decided on Little Angels Attic, in memory of Ms. Flo Mitchell, retired elementary school teacher and deceased member of Christ UMC. Flo was an institution in the Houston County area and is remembered for her love of children and her devotion to helping children in need. Flo also helped direct Christ UMC’s cherub choir in the 1990s and early 2000s, calling this group “My Little Angels”; thus, the name Little Angels Attic.
Starting with nothing but two rooms—one for the clothes and one as a work room—Marsha and her husband, Steve, and John and his wife, Sharon, started putting the plan together. Little Angels Attic opened on Tuesday, August 15, 2023. Unbeknownst to the two couples until opening day, this was Ms. Flo’s birthday - truly, a sign from God!
Little Angels Attic has now expanded to include a baby section with diapers, bedding items, baby bottles, baby powder and more. They also have jewelry, a section for socks, underwear, and tights as well as another section for personal care items such as hair care, toothbrushes/tooth paste, soap/body wash, body lotions, and deodorant.
Little Angels Attic is open on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 2pm – 4pm and on special occasions. This past December children and parents with children were able to pick out free toys. In March, Easter baskets were given to all who came.
The ministry is growing and continues its mission to serve and nurture children. Thanks be to God!
Article submitted by Christ United Methodist Church.