The Importance of Your Clothing Donations
November 4, 2016
Children without quality shoes, women without professional attire for job interviews, homeless veterans without sufficient clothing to survive the winter—they have all been aided by the work of GFWC clubwomen through both national and local charities.
Among the national organizations contributed to by clubwomen are Goodwill Industries, Salvation Army, and Dress for Success. A not-for-profit organization supported by Mesquite Club (Nevada), Dress for Success empowers women to achieve financial independence by providing a network of support, appropriate attire, and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. The organization operates in over 140 U.S. cities and has helped more than 900,000 women achieve self-sufficiency.
GFWC/IFC Progress Club of South Bend (Indiana) is one of the many clubs supporting Goodwill Industries. Goodwill provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have barriers preventing them from otherwise entering the work force. Through profits earned at their thrift stores, Goodwill provides more than six million people around the globe with job training and community services each year.
Another option for clothing donations is to keep it local. GFWC Women’s Club of Hollister (California) assists the Small Steps San Benito County program each year. The program provides children in need with warm jackets and new shoes. Club members contribute financially and act as chaperones during shopping trips when children select their new clothing. GFWC Crystal River Woman’s Club (Florida) contributes coats to Cayla’s Coat Project, a charity begun in memory of a Cayla Barnes who lost her life in a drowning accident. GFWC Federation Guild (Delaware) is celebrating their third year of donations to Clothing Women in Transition, which aids women and children moving out of shelters.
Thank you to all of the clubs listed and the numerous others improving communities through clothing drives and donations.
Blog
Featured Member

Elizabeth Davy
As a single mother of two boys requiring emergency medical care in the past, GFWC Oconomowoc Junior Woman’s Club member Elizabeth Davy was determined to work with her club and Emergency Medical Services for Children to fund pediatric jump kit bags for Wisconsin EMS departments.
Success For Survivors Scholarship
Each year, GFWC awards scholarships to help intimate partner abuse survivors obtain a post-secondary education that offers a chance to reshape their future by securing employment and gaining personal independence.
Featured Club

Mesquite Club, Inc.
The Mesquite Club, Inc., located in Las Vegas, Nevada, started out the club year with 120 members and now has 132 members. How has the club gained a dozen new members over such a short time? One reason is Club President Cherie Williams’ commitment to raising public awareness of the club in any way possible.