At Marisol Family, a dedicated group of volunteers, fondly known as the “Sorting Sisters,” gather every Monday morning to sort through donated children’s clothing. The women – Marilyn, Mary, Dana, June , and Janny – share a deep bond that has grown stronger through their years of volunteer work. Their efforts go beyond organizing clothes. They also provide a sense of community and support to families in need.
The Sorting Sisters carefully inspect each item, deciding if it’s suitable for donation. The clothes are organized by size, then placed on racks to be wheeled out for parents to pick from. Marilyn says, “we are behind the scenes.” She describes the process with pride, saying, “We’re getting clothes ready to go out to help the moms and the dads that maybe aren’t able to afford what they need.” The women also sort seasonal items, like Halloween costumes and Christmas clothes, ensuring that each piece matches the time of year, so no one ends up with an Easter Bunny suit in the fall.
The group’s story began over a decade ago at St. James Catholic Church, where they originally volunteered. Marilyn, who was among the first to join, recalls, “The first group started at St. James. I was with the first group that started over there. I’ve been with them for probably 10 years.” However, when a fire at St. James destroyed about 90 bins of sorted clothes, the Sorting Sisters had to start from scratch. “We were just sick because we were just getting ready to put out all the Easter clothes,” Marilyn shares. Now, at Marisol Family, they are rebuilding, filling new bins in preparation for a fresh start.
Despite challenges, including the disruption of COVID-19, the Sorting Sisters remained committed to their mission. They would still meet in the basement to sort clothes, even when they couldn’t be around others. Marilyn finds the work deeply fulfilling, calling it “rewarding” and explaining the joy of discovering charming little outfits. “We sometimes call it the ‘Ohhh Ahh!’ You know, we’ll pick up a dress or pick up this darling little outfit or whatever and we’ll say, ‘Look at this!’ People are so creative with children’s clothes nowadays.”
The group’s camaraderie is evident in the way they interact. Marilyn describes their bond as something akin to a quilt, each woman contributing a unique piece to the whole. “Mary and I have known each other for 45 years, and then we’ve met Dana, and then we’ve met June and Janny,” she says. “We’ve become like sisters because we share the good times, the sad times, we share when we’ve lost a friend. We share when somebody goes on a new vacation. “
Their efforts aren’t confined to sorting clothes; they also go out of their way to find new items to donate. Marilyn shares how she’ll attend garage sales and offer to pick up baby clothes that might otherwise be discarded. “I’ll tell people, ‘Oh, if you’re not going to do anything with these baby clothes, I’ve got a place.'”
The Sorting Sisters’ impact extends beyond Marisol Family. They help support other initiatives, such as a diaper distribution at Queen of Peace, where Marilyn witnessed the diverse lines of families coming for assistance. “It’s every nationality. The dads come, and then they bring their children, and they come to get the diapers. I think Molly told me 150 people go through there on a Saturday.”
For Marilyn and the Sorting Sisters, this work is more than a volunteer gig – it’s a chance to make a difference while sharing their lives with one another. “It’s just fun,” Marilyn says. “And we chitty chat along the way. We catch up on each other’s lives.” Whether they’re marveling at a beautifully knit sweater or reflecting on a decade of service, these women are not just sorting clothes; they’re weaving a fabric of support, love and community.