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.