Curt Gatke, pictured in front, is a regular contributor to the Community Closet, which provides toiletries and cleaning supplies to those in need. (Photo by Stacey Page)

Each Wednesday, Curt Gatke is at the First United Methodist Church on downtown Warsaw’s Indiana Street where he offers a wave, a smile and friendly “Hi!” to most everyone who visits the soup kitchen.

But the real passion Gatke has is helping with the FUMC Community Closet, a program that provides toiletries and even cleaning supplies for people struggling to make ends meet. “It provides the things they can’t buy with food stamps,” said Sue Hickman who helps promote the weekly soup kitchen.

Gatke, who has Down syndrome, has been with Cardinal Services since 1976. He works for the Cardinal Services Industries where he does contractual work for local businesses. Each Friday, when he receives his paycheck, part of it goes to supplies for the Community Closet.

“He just really loves to help out in that way,” Hickman explained, noting he also volunteers for the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County.

The Community Closet, now more than 2 1/2 years in operation, is open each Wednesday during the soup kitchen, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Individuals can come through to receive products such as toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent, feminine products and even diapers. It is stocked entirely by donations from both FUMC members and volunteers, and from local businesses, clubs and individuals.

Started by a Bible study group consisting of Kevin Zachary, Deb Bishop, Dianne Ratliff, Lori Mock, Candy Rich and the late Deb Becknell, the Community Closet fills a need for those unable to afford necessities that food stamps does not allow for. “We literally started this by putting things on an air hockey table and now we have the former youth room (in the church basement),” said Bishop. “It has exploded!”

Bishop said the closet is serving about 130 families each week. Due to the demand, the Community Closet volunteers must provide a very limited number of items to individuals and families each week. “We ask that only those who truly need it come in,” Bishop said, adding that the donations often come from others who are also making sacrifices to help.

Individuals are limited to only 3 items each week from an assortment of supplies. Larger items, like laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste are provided only once every 5-6 weeks. Other items, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers, bars of soap, razors and toilet paper are offered weekly.

“Each family gets at least $8 worth of items each week,” Hickman noted, saying donations are always needed and gladly accepted.

To donate to the Community Closet, drop off items at First United Methodist Church, 179 S. Indiana St., during office hours which are generally 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The community soup kitchen and the Community Closet are open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the church basement.