The local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, 1881 Van Buren Drive, Whitehall, was full of activity and good spirits Oct. 11 during a clothing drive event.

According to Peggy Shafer, local director of public affairs for the church, the humanitarian department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Salt Lake City, Utah, shipped approximately 12,000 pounds of clothing to the Lehigh Valley area. The truck was unloaded Oct. 8 at the Whitehall church.

After partnering with 12 or 13 local community resource and charity organizations, the church distributed 3,000 free vouchers to individuals or families in need. The church partnered with so many groups because it was important to reach as many people who are the most in need, Shafer noted. The church wanted to be sure to reach the right people.

Volunteers spent a few days sorting, organizing and staging the clothes in preparation for the drive. The clothing drive itself was held over two days. People came to the church Oct. 11 and 12.

To maintain order and ease of access for those arriving to the drive, participants were grouped together upon arriving. Each group was given approximately 30 minutes to shop before the next group was granted access, noted Kristina Fowler, project manager.

This also allowed time for the volunteers to be constantly restocking the racks and tables so there was never a shortage of options.

Shafer reported the project was held in Reading last year, and more than 1,200 individuals received clothing.

According to Fowler, they were able to assist almost 800 people with the drive in Whitehall.

Fowler said the drive was also being held in Reading, Philadelphia and Wilmington, Del. It was mentioned there will be two smaller distributions Oct. 19 in Pottstown and Pottsville.

“It is our hope that this project will be an excellent initial step to help form stronger community relationships and meet local community needs,” Shafer said.