Bobbie's

One customer, Bella, who emigrated from Israel 22 years ago and works for an oral surgeon, said Bobbie's Place has been a godsend since the family fell on hard times after her husband's open-heart surgery.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

Joel Houston, Brian and Bobbie's son and incidentally a spit for Westlife's Brian McFadden, leads the creative team behind Hillsong Music, the multi-million dollar hit machine that powers the operation.

Christopher Price: Australian Idolatry: Evangelical Christians Resurrecting the Music Industry Christopher Price 2011

"They ask me, 'When are we coming to Bobbie's Place?'"

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

From that modest start grew Bobbie's Place, a Brooklyn children's clothing store that is conventional in every way but one — all the merchandise is free.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

To qualify to "shop" at Bobbie's, there's a vetting process: Clients are interviewed over the phone, and the interview is followed up with a call to a social worker or clergy member who can vouch for their need.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

It's almost a stage set: A sign on the frosted-glass front door says, "Welcome to Bobbie's Place."

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

Bobbie's Place is funded by foundations, friends and family, and costs around $650,000 a year to run; fund-raising, Mr. Schick sighed, is "a beast of a job," especially given the economy — with need soaring, and the manufacturers themselves feeling pinched.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

There are signs addressed to "Bobbie's Place shoppers," and changing rooms where one is given a number tag, like at the Gap, to keep track of the garments they're taking to try on.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

Renee Schick died in 1998 and the store also serves as a focal point for her 17 grandchildren, most o f whom are involved with Bobbie's Place in one way or another, Mr. Schick said.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010

Bobbie's Place serves about 8,500 poor children, many of whose parents are recent é migr é s from the former Soviet Union, as well as from Israel, Egypt, Syria and Iran.

Charity, Beautifully Disguised Ralph Gardner Jr. 2010