An idea brought to life...
The Laingsburg Clothesline opened in 2006 after a simple observation revealed a very real and growing need in our community.
It began with a first-grader who came to school wearing a darling, bright red Clifford raincoat. As adorable as that coat was when school started in the fall, it soon became clear that it was the only coat he owned. Even as bitter winter weather arrived, he continued to wear that same coat—with no apparent boots, mittens, or hat to keep him warm.
We also noticed students coming to gym class wearing shoes that were far too large for them—shoes that had once belonged to older siblings. The clothing need was difficult to watch. It was real, it was significant, and it was growing.
At the same time, two adjoining, dilapidated buildings in downtown Laingsburg became available for purchase. We saw an opportunity to turn those neglected spaces into something that could make a lasting difference in the lives of local families. After extensive renovations—including a new roof, new flooring, and a complete interior remodel—the Laingsburg Clothesline was born.
For nearly 20 years, our enthusiastic volunteers have worked to serve individuals and families throughout Shiawassee, Clinton, and Ingham Counties. We provide high-quality, gently used and new clothing at affordable prices, while also offering clothing free of charge to individuals and families referred to us by local schools, churches, the fire department, and other community agencies.
Our impact extends beyond the walls of the Clothesline. As a small distribution center, we also collect, sort, and redistribute excess clothing donations to local organizations and agencies in Owosso, where those items are made available free of charge to individuals and families in need.
What began with noticing one child who needed a warm coat has grown into nearly two decades of community service. The Laingsburg Clothesline continues to connect people who have something to give with neighbors who have a need—ensuring that children and families in our community have access to something as basic and important as clothing, dignity, and the feeling that someone cares.
A new need arises...
When we purchased the two adjoining buildings in downtown Laingsburg, they shared a common brick wall. For years, our board discussed what to do with the second building—a rundown, neglected space that needed a complete renovation. Many businesses in the community expressed interest in purchasing it, but our board remained committed to waiting for a clear and meaningful purpose for the space.
Then COVID hit, and the need became undeniable.
Our students had missed far too much school during the lockdown. Many were struggling academically, but the impact went well beyond education. Children had experienced prolonged social isolation and lost valuable opportunities to connect with their peers, teachers, and community.
We realized that the second building could become a place where students could reconnect, learn, grow, and feel supported. And so began the next chapter of our mission: The Connection.
After an extensive renovation, we proudly opened The Connection in 2024. Almost immediately, we began offering free tutoring for students in first through fifth grade two afternoons each week. Students arrive by school bus directly after school and are welcomed into a safe, encouraging environment where they can receive individualized academic support.
We hired a part-time program director, a middle school resource room teacher, to facilitate the program and coordinate learning activities. Our students are thriving, and the response from parents and teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. We have also been blessed by an incredible team of tutors, including middle school and high school students, retired educators, substitute teachers, and other dedicated community members who generously give their time.
But The Connection has grown into much more than a tutoring center. This beautiful, newly renovated space is now available to the broader community and has hosted civic organizations, community events, Bible studies, Cards for Christ, young artists' exhibits, literacy events, and other activities. We are excited about the many possibilities that lie ahead and the ways The Connection can continue bringing people together.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful moments came recently when we were reminded just how far this vision has come.
One of our former board members, who had been involved with the Clothesline near its early beginnings, was instrumental in helping us with renovations. He had served on city council and worked as a builder, generously offering his expertise during the transformation of The Clothesline.
Recently, we happened to see him at The Connection. He had tears in his eyes. When we approached him, he gave me a huge hug and explained that he was there to pick up his grandson. His grandson was participating in tutoring that day, but simply being in the building brought him to tears. He was amazed to see how everything had come full circle—and that the space he had helped make possible was now benefiting his own family.
That is what community impact looks like.
We were reminded of that same message at a recent graduation ceremony when the salutatorian encouraged her classmates to carry with them more than what they had learned from a textbook. She challenged them to be influences in their communities, to make a difference, and to look for opportunities to serve wherever life takes them.
That is the heart of what we hope The Clothesline and The Connection represent. What started with a need for something as simple as a warm coat has grown into a place where people give their time, talents, resources, and compassion to strengthen our community.
As we look toward the future, we are developing a strategic plan with the guidance of a consultant and are excited to have a young, dedicated board of nine individuals who bring a tremendous range of expertise, energy, and wisdom to our organization.
We are continually looking for dedicated tutors and generous donors who will help us sustain and expand our free tutoring program and cover the ongoing expenses of The Connection and The Clothesline. We invite you to be part of this next chapter. Your time, talents, and financial support can help us continue making a lasting difference in the lives of children, families, and our entire community.