Second Baptist offers new clothing outreach

A new option is in place for local residents looking to refresh their wardrobes with help from Second Baptist Church of Aiken.

Kingdom Boutique at Second is now part of the congregation’s York Street complex, offering upscale clothing – new or lightly used items – with such names as Coach, Evon Picone, Nina’s and Kasper in the mix, catering to women, men and kids alike. Shoppers are invited but not required to leave a donation, whether a few coins or a stack of bills.

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“We blessed quite a few people and quite a few people left blessings, which means that we will be able to continue to supply their needs,” said volunteer Gail Jackson, who helped run the ministry’s formal opening held Saturday.

“The majority of clothes here are designer clothes, and we service the community – men, women and children. It’s for everyone, and we’re just happy to be a blessing and we’re hoping that whoever comes in is blessed and becomes a blessing.”

The church, in keeping with tradition, also offers a clothes closet at the 425 Hampton Ave., where the congregation has been based for most of its history. Clothing donations are also accepted there, and the cream of the crop is to be offered through Kingdom Boutique, Jackson noted.

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“This is to help people feel valued, so that instead of having a handout, they’re doing a hand up,” she added. “That’s the concept of this boutique.”

Plans are for the shop in the former Bi-Lo shopping center to be open every Thursday and Friday and also on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The location, 1142 York St., is between Crab King and Upper Room Healing Center, near the former Evergreen Buffet.

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“We still have a clothes closet,” said the Rev. Gene Owens. “You can still come on in. It’s not as upscale as over here, but it’s still free. Come on in and get blessed.”

The clothes closet’s hours coincide with those of the church’s boutique as well as its food pantry on Hampton Avenue. For more information, call the church’s office at 803-644-3994.