Cleone's Closet is set to reopen Sept. 6

A permanent spot for the Airway Heights food bank, Cleone's Closet, was found during the summer and is now set to open to the public on Sept. 6.

"It is such a needed ministry in this community," Mable Dunbar, the leader for Cleone's Closet said. "In Cheney and Medical Lake there are food banks, but Airway Heights needs a permanent one for their community as well."

After being bought out at the previous location at 1515 Lyons St., the food bank has not been available to the public for a long time. But now with a permanent address at 13114 Sunset Highway, the resources for the community will be available year round once it opens.

The building was bought by an anonymous donor so that the foundation could focus on helping the community instead of worrying about financial resources.

"We are back because the community wanted us back," Dunbar said. "They rallied for us and got us back here. But now we also want people to be involved and keep supporting us."

The food donated will be coming from Second Harvest and it will be focused towards the city of Airway Heights and the surrounding areas. The bank will be open for people to pick up food on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon – 3 p.m.

Airway Heights businesses and volunteers have also been supportive of the return of Cleone's Closet. The group that has brought back the foundation went around and asked businesses to see if they can donate monthly. Grocery Outlet now has raised over $2,000 worth of food while Jacob Powers from Heights Church started the campaign to bring the food bank back.

"The people of Airway Heights have been absolutely wonderful," Dunbar added.

Another aspect of the new building is it comes with a multipurpose room. People will eventually be able to rent out the room for meetings and other events.

While the main focus of the building will be the food bank, people can still make donations towards the thrift store that Dunbar also is a part of.

In the near future, there will also be an open house for people to visit and see the renovations to the site.

"I love this community and the spirit here," Dunbar said "I fell in love with Airway Heights and I am thankful for the support we have received here."

Grace Pohl can be reached at [email protected].