From jeans to dress slacks, wingtips to sneakers and everything in between, the Southeast Louisiana Hospital is in need of clothes for men, women, teens and children.

The state hospital serves a lot of people who come to their doors with absolutely nothing. Hospital spokesperson Shantel Washington says clothing is needed, because the state provides care for the patients, but not clothing.

The hospital volunteers try to provide what the state cannot.

Gordon Bauer, a volunteer at Southeast Louisiana Hospital, sorts through clothes in the men’s clothing room. (Staff Photos by Debbie Glover)

The Thomas L. Young Auxiliary of the hospital is in charge of accepting the donations, every Wednesday 9-11:30 a.m. at the Volunteer Services Clothing Room at the hospital.

The Auxiliary also operates a gift shop for staff members, family members and patients. Washington said that items in the gift shop are priced quite reasonably, range from $1 to $8. Any profit made at the gift shop goes directly to the Auxiliary to help provide clothing. Gift shop hours are Tuesday and Friday noon- 3 p.m.

Clothing donated must be clean and cannot be dry-clean only. Very gently worn undergarments are also accepted, but most undergarments are either donated by vendors or bought with the Auxiliary’s proceeds.

Volunteers are always needed to sort clothing, help in the gift shop or even visit patients and help with activities such as bingo. Washington said that with more volunteers, the gift shop and clothing room could be open more often.

The tax-deductible donations go directly to those receiving services in the hospital, usually mentally or emotionally challenged individuals receiving care. The hospital provides treatment to children, adolescents, men and women and is expanding by 35 beds to about 200. Currently, the hospital has about 160 patients, according to Washington.

The Auxiliary is also seeking requests for proposals for the design and construction of a basic baseball/softball field.

For more information on how to become a volunteer, or to donate, call Washington at 626-6455. The hospital is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization, so all donations are tax deductible.

The hospital is located across from Fontainebleau State Park at 23515 U. S. Highway 190 in Mandeville.