Cold mornings are already creeping into the Truckee Meadows. Before long there will be frost on the windshields and wind coming down off the Sierra. For most of us, that means digging a heavy jacket out of the closet. For many of our neighbors, it means wondering where a warm coat will come from at all.

This year marks our 30th year of providing hope and dignity to those in need with free clothes, and fall is when warm clothing matters most.

A great start to the season

Our community has already been showing up. On September 26, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Nevada Chapter held a jacket and jean drive for GSCC during its Out of the Darkness Walk at the Sparks Marina. Walkers brought coats and jeans to share, and our own Chaplain Chaz Blackburn was able to say a few words. Thank you, AFSP Nevada, for a meaningful day and for thinking of our neighbors.

We are also grateful to the Reno Aces for including Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet in the 2026 Reno Aces Foundation Grant Class. Thank you for investing back into our community.

What winter looks like at the Closet

About 800 people shop at our store at 540 Greenbrae Drive in Sparks every month. All anyone needs to shop is an ID. Every 30 days, adults and children can each choose a jacket or coat, a sweater, a pair of shoes, socks, and more, all at no cost and with the respect everyone deserves.

When the temperature drops, those items matter more than ever. A warm coat can be the difference between a miserable walk to the bus stop and arriving at work ready for the day. Good boots keep a child's feet dry on the way to school.

Warm items we can use right now

If you are cleaning out closets this fall, please think of us. We gladly accept new or gently used:

• Jackets and coats for men, women, and children

• Winter boots and shoes, especially men's shoes

• Sweaters, sweatshirts, and men's sweatpants

• Men's jeans and belts

• Socks, and new underwear

• Blankets and sleeping bags

Hygiene items are always in high demand too, including razors, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. You can also shop our Amazon Wishlist, and items ship straight to the Closet.

How to drop off a donation

We accept clothing donations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM at 540 Greenbrae Drive in Sparks. Come around back through the gate, look for the door that says "Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet," and ring the black doorbell. Please bring no more than five bags per car. If we reach capacity on a busy day, we may close donations early, so coming earlier in the window helps. The full list of what we do and don't accept is on our Items page.

Lend a hand this season

Every coat that comes through our door has to be sorted, hung, and set out on the floor, and volunteers make that happen. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, volunteers work in the stockroom processing donations and filling racks. On Mondays from 3 PM to 7 PM and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM, volunteers help on the floor, welcoming shoppers and helping them find what they need.

If you can only spare a couple of hours, just let us know. We are especially looking for people who would like to be scheduled weekly. To get started, fill out the volunteer form on our website or email info@gsccreno.org.

Three ways to help this week

1. Drop off a bag of warm clothes on a Tuesday or Thursday between 10 AM and 2 PM.

2. Sign up to volunteer through our website or at info@gsccreno.org.

3. Share this post with a friend, coworker, or church group so more coats find their way to neighbors who need them.

Winter in Northern Nevada can be hard. Together, we can make sure nobody has to face it without a warm coat. Thank you for 30 years of standing with your neighbors.