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‘Stuff for winter’

New Ulm Clothing Depot ‘great place’ for those in need

New Ulm Clothing Depot manager Lori Hoffmann poses for a photo outside outside the Depot on North Broadway.

With temperatures dropping and the time for giving under way, the New Ulm Clothing Depot (NUCD) is just one great place in need of assistance this holiday season.

And as the temperature continues to drop and snow starts to fly, winter apparel is at the top of the requested donations list at the NUCD.

The NUCD, located at 101 N. Broadway and established in 1970, is a non-profit organization that provides clothing and miscellaneous household items to area families in need at no cost.

NUCD manager Lori Hoffmann said that donations are always needed and welcome, but this time of year brings an extra request for both adults and children’s winter apparel.

“We definitely need stuff for winter,” Hoffmann said. “Coats, snowpants, blankets, mittens, gloves.”

Inside the New Ulm Clothing Depot on North Broadway, sweatshirts, coats, shoes, hats and more are given to those in need for free. The Depot is especially in need of winter apparel this season. Those interested in giving can reach out on “The New Ulm Clothing Depot” Facebook page or by calling or texting 507-276-6302.

Women’s leggings are another highly requested item at the Depot, in addition to kids’ clothing and shoes, and men’s pants and coats.

The NUCD isn’t currently open to the public, and those in need are simply to reach out with their requests by calling or texting 507- 276-6302. Those interested can also send a message on the Facebook page, “The New Ulm Clothing Depot.”

Hoffmann also said applications aren’t currently required to collect clothing and the Depot has a flexible schedule for pickup.

“It doesn’t matter when, people message me any time,” Hoffmann said. “It seems like it has all worked out. There hasn’t been anybody that hasn’t liked that appointment or texting, because they’re grateful. So it has eliminated people worrying about if they have to be here and open to the public with COVID.”

If unable to donate clothes, the Depot is also happy to accept monetary donations to grow their inventory.

An outside view at the front door of the New Ulm Clothing Depot on 101 N. Broadway. The volunteer- run Depot gives clothing away for free to those in need. The Depot is always welcoming new volunteers and donations

Since COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Depot hasn’t been able to do as many fundraising events as they have in the past. However, Hoffmann said she’s hoping to get more fundraising events going again this coming spring.

The Pizza Ranch in New Ulm has also helped the Depot with community tip nights at the restaurant. The last fundraising night was Dec. 6, and the public is asked to keep an eye on future fundraising events at the Pizza Ranch on Facebook.

There are 15 volunteers working for the Depot currently. Hoffmann said there have been many volunteers in the past that dedicated much of their lives helping the Depot.

She also said volunteers changed a little bit during and after COVID, but more volunteer help is always appreciated.

“We always need new volunteers,” Hoffmann said.

Inside the New Ulm Clothing Depot on North Broadway, sweatshirts, coats, shoes, hats and more are given to those in need for free. The Depot is especially in need of winter apparel this season. Those interested in giving can reach out on “The New Ulm Clothing Depot” Facebook page or by calling or texting 507-276-6302.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer can again call or text 507-276-6302 or reach out at the Facebook page.

The NUCD also assists a family or two in need each Christmas.

“We usually do one or two families per Christmas, and we give different things for a meal and different presents,” Hoffmann said. “People kind of message in to say, ‘This is a good family, a family of five.’ Social Services will usually give us a name or two maybe of a family to support that they think is in need. So we do that during Christmas.”

In addition to the hours she spends volunteering and as Christmas approaches, Hoffmann plans to donate to the Depot in honor of her 20 years spent volunteering with the organization.

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