It is a 20-year tradition that has been keeping islanders warm throughout the winter.

Dawn Parnell and the Orcas Adventist Fellowship have been holding a community clothing bank for two decades. It is a chance for people of all ages to pick up much-needed items for free.

“It started out of a necessity,” Parnell said. “I worked at the Primary Intervention Program at the school and I saw a lot of kids who needed clothing. At the time, there weren’t any resources on the island for that.”

This year the event will be held over two days: Saturday, Oct. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. in the Orcas Christian School gymnasium.

Donations of clothing, bedding and towels can be dropped off at OCS through Oct. 17. Call 376-6683 or email at valaocs@gmail.com with questions.

The community typically donates around 300 bags of clothing – everything from undergarments to pajamas to coats for all ages. Camp Orkila and Four Winds gives clothing and sleeping bags that were left behind by campers.

Many community members help sort the clothing. Parnell’s 79-year-old mother flies up from California every year to lend a hand.

Any clothing that is not taken from the Orcas event is given to family shelters on the mainland. Parnell also sends boxes of items to a small town in the Philippines where her son Graye often travels.

Parnell used to rent the Oddfellows Hall but the event became so large that they moved to the OCS gym.

“We have people line up before we open the doors,” Parnell said.

She says many families come – even some from the mainland. It’s also a well-loved event for seniors.

“Every year I meet someone I haven’t met before. That is the greatest blessing,” she said.