St. Andrew’s resident Paula Ross has been helping the vulnerable members of her community get through last winter by hanging hats, mittens, and socks on two clotheslines at the Anglican Church Hall in Saint Andrews and the St. George community garden.

Her clothesline is a simple way for people to help each other. Anyone can hang up things like hats, mittens, and socks or take what they need. To keep the items dry, people are asked to put them in plastic bags, with bags and clothespins provided at both spots. Paula refills the clothesline every few days, and many people in town also add things when they can. After her initiative was well appreciated, she decided to keep the Saint Andrews clothesline open all year and is now helping others who want to start the same thing where they live.

Paula Ross got the idea for the community clothesline after seeing one in King’s Square in Saint John a few years ago. She started hanging hats and mittens in front of the Anglican parish hall to help people stay warm in winter. Word spread quickly, and soon the clothesline was filled with donations like scarves, hoodies, toothbrushes, and even Christmas ornaments. Before Easter, Ross added toys, bubbles, and soap for families, and now it’s filled with summer items like sandals, sunglasses, and toys. Ross says it’s heartwarming to see how much is taken and given every day.

All Saints Church also helps by keeping a coat rack inside for donations. Ross carries extra resealable bags, clothespins, and items in her car so she can refill the clothesline whenever needed. Ross has received a lot of kind and positive messages from people about the clothesline. The response has been so big that someone from Fredericton reached out, wanting to start one too. Ross is now helping that person set up a clothesline in Fredericton, and it should be ready in the next few weeks.

Source: Rhythm Rathi, CBC