Duo launches 'Helping Hands' clothing bank in St. John

A few months ago Angel Colyar and Kelli Melhus of St. John realized they shared an aspiration to help others in a big way, but neither had ever felt the timing was “just right.” Some time passed and a few weeks ago the two came to the conclusion that the time was never going to be right and to just go for it. So they did.

Angel and Kelli are the co-founders of Helping Hands in St. John. While both have been volunteers in the past, neither has done charity work at this level before.

The name Helping Hands derives from the saying, “You don’t need a reason to help someone.”

The biggest struggle the two have come across has been finding the time to dedicate to their new charity between work and family.

The new clothing bank is intended to be a support for the whole of Whitman County. In addition to the clothing bank, Helping Hands aims to offer a large variety of assistance.

“Our goal is just to help people any way we can,” said Kelli. They are collecting clothing for all ages, as well as blankets, bedding, winter supplies and toiletries and feminine products.

They have been able to start by getting donations from local residents.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised at the amount of donations we have received,” Kelli said.

The first weekend in November, with a local scout troop which helped collect items, the clothing bank was able to receive a truckload in donations.

“We are always collecting supplies,” said Kelli. They won’t be turning away donations.

The clothing bank is located in an 8x30 shed in St. John, so Helping Hands works by appointment.

Kelli is working on getting a Facebook page up and running so that if someone needs something that Helping Hands doesn’t have, they can post what they’re looking for on the page.

Helping Hands is hoping to eventually be in a bigger space where they can be more flexible with their schedule.

Right now, if someone needs help they can contact Angel or Kelli by calling or texting Angel at (508)288-7170 or Kelli at (509)879-2068.

“If someone needs help, they will get help,” Kelli vowed.