The Rockville First United Methodist Church (RFUMC) started a Clothes Closet on November 7, 2019. The initiative began when the Mecca Clothes Closet, which had assisted local families with clothing needs, closed. There are five volunteers who staff the RFUMC Clothes Closet. There are more who wash clothes for the Closet.

Last year staff members worked with the high school guidance counselor to bring in students during their study hall time as needed during the school year. At least 10 students have been able to take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, Hickory Rehab Center has been able to send their staff members to collect items that are needed at the facility.

The Clothes Closet reopened on Thursday, January 9, 2020 after a few weeks off for the holidays. Our inventory continued to expand, so a new clothing rack was built. Additionally, storage was limited, so shelving was needed. A huge thank you to Rob and Charlie Belcher for building the needed items. In September 2020, the Clothes Closet had outgrown its small room. The Ad Council approved the Clothes Closet and the Nursery swapping rooms. Several congregation members helped move the items to its current two-room location. The number of shelving racks doubled. (Again, thanks to Rob Belcher for building the racks and Rob and Charlie for moving the shelving to its new location.) The Clothes Closet had to close for a few months due to the pandemic. Since it's reopening in July 2021, there has been an average of 21 shoppers per week. Typically, they shop for more than one person, so the volunteers estimate the lives of 45 people are impacted each week by this ministry.

The RFUMC Clothes Closet is open every Thursday (excluding holidays) from 1 - 5pm. Everyone is welcome. There are no restrictions, and identification is not required.

The Clothes Closet is designed to be like a resale store except all the items are free. Monetary donations are accepted, but not necessary. Donations of new and gently used clothing, shoes, coats, purses, and jewelry may be dropped off at the church on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday from 9am - 1pm and Thursdays from 9 - 5. If a different time is needed, you may message the church Facebook account.