With classes starting back Tuesday, school uniforms are as much of a necessity as paper and pencil.

“There are so many in need,” said Linda Jordan, business manager for The Christian Closet, Inc.

The Christian Closet Thrift Store on U.S. 74 Business is a non-profit organization with a mission to help those in need by way of charitable donations.

At the beginning of the school year, one of the biggest concerns the Christian Closet tackles is having enough uniforms to clothe students. Those with a voucher from their school counselor can receive two uniforms from the store.

The uniform voucher can be obtained from a guidance counselor at the child’s school after a short questionnaire is filled out to determine their level of need.

Last year, the thrift store gave away nearly 1,000 uniforms to students who came in with a voucher and so far this year have given away close to 50.

“This really helps so they have the clothes to start school,” Jordan said.

Much of the clothing is bought locally from businesses in Richmond County and the group has already purchased $5,000 worth of new uniforms for students.

The Christian Closet opened in 2008 and since has undergone a renovation.

“There are a lot of things we still have to do,” Jordan said.

In April, they were awarded a $15,000 grant from the Cole Foundation to help with the remaining renovations of the building. It provided the funds to repair the roof, build a car shelter for the donation area plus light fixtures and gutters.

“It was a tremendous help,” Jordan said.

Although the grant assistance helped in the completion of many renovations, the Christian Closet is still in need of more money to complete the store. They would like to have the floors repaired and an awning for the entrance erected. There is also electrical work in the back of the store that needs updating.

Along with working to get Richmond County students uniforms, the Christian Closet aids numerous charities in the area and works closely with Department of Social Services to assist the homeless with clothing and hygiene needs.

For more information about the Christian Closet and their voucher program, contact them at 582-9545.