It should probably be functional and stylish. Because if you look good, you feel good. And you should definitely try it on first.

Hopefully, CrossNet Ministries' Clothing Commons will fit the New Holland community.

"I think the best part is that we know this is meeting a tangible need that so many of our current participants have expressed," said Maddie Groff, marketing and communications manager for CrossNet Ministries. "But my personal favorite part is seeing God's seamless provisions for this program since the very beginning, from providing a space, equipping volunteers to help renovate, securing donations to make it all possible and bringing the perfect volunteers who will care deeply for the guests in the Clothing Commons each week."

In many ways, Clothing Commons is the next logical step in the natural evolution of CrossNet Ministries, which is located at 110 W. Franklin St., New Holland.

The idea of providing free clothing for local individuals and families in need had been thrown at CrossNet for some time, before preparations for the new clothing bank began early this year. The local nonprofit will unveil its new ministry on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and Clothing Commons will be open every subsequent Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"CrossNet Ministries exists to offer help and hope in the ELANCO community," said Corrine Horning, the community events and outreach manager for CrossNet Ministries. "Through our four pillars - youth, food and nutrition, community, and social services - CrossNet serves a wide range of individuals. Overall, CrossNet seeks to empower those who are under-resourced and see lives changed by Jesus Christ."

CrossNet has repurposed a former food pantry into its Clothing Commons. The large space will act as a showroom for seasonal clothing - pants, shirts, shoes, coats and hats - complete with racks and shelves, a common area, bathrooms, a kitchenette and a storage area.

Clothing Commons will be stocked with new or gently used items donated by the community.

"The goal is to offer seasonal clothing for the whole family," said Groff. "However, no specific items will be guaranteed, and inventory will be solely based on donations.

"Our hope is that the space will become more than just a place for someone to grab clothes and leave," she added. "We hope that it will truly become a common space for all of our participants to feel like it's theirs, to just stop in and connect with someone, escape the weather, grab a cup of coffee or read a book."

CrossNet Ministries anticipates that its new Clothing Commons will serve as many as 150 members of the ELANCO community each month. With no appointments necessary, clients can drop in on any Wednesday, check in at the front desk and select free clothing once a month, based on the honor system.

Currently, CrossNet Ministries has two volunteers helping out at Clothing Commons, but the organization is seeking to add about eight more helpers.

"When we say the ELANCO community is generous, that is an understatement," said Groff. "All items in the Clothing Commons have been donated, and we currently have enough items that all of our shelves and racks are filled, plus extra. And we haven't even begun advertising that we accept clothing donations yet."

CrossNet Ministries was formed in 2017 through the merger of Cross Connections Youth Center and ELANCO Social Services Network. CrossNet Ministries employs 12 staff members.

For additional information, go to http://www.elancocross.org.