Blanket/Warm clothes drive?
By maezee
@maezee (41988)
United States
October 13, 2011 5:29pm CST
Recently I've become involved with a small local nonprofit that hands out free warm clothes, shoes, boots, jkts, personal hygiene items, blankets, etc to the homeless and the needy in a urban downtown setting. I love it. It has given me something to look forward to, to feel good about doing, and to kind of obsess about. I love having projects and it's even better when it benefits other people. Anyway, I have combed through my own closet and have managed to find about 2 big garbage bags worth of donate-ables - jackets, coats, a blanket, several sweaters, jeans, etc. I asked most of my friends, a couple of co-workers, and family members - and have gotten about 3 more bags worth of donations. Being that I'm pumped up about this whole thing, I was thinking of starting kind of a neighborhood "drive" for these items and I was wondering how to even start this kind of thing and whether or not it's a good idea. I'm passionate about helping people........ And it's not as though I can afford to go buy all the things these people need.....
Have you ever done anything like this? A clothing/used item drive on your own?
What should I do exactly? Flyer the neighborhood? Put an ad up on Craigslist?
I need help! Thanks everyone!
3 responses
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
30 Oct 11
Not exactly....I have many times in the past taken all my left over yarn and crocheted mittens and scarves for the salvation army so they can give it to little ones that need to keep their fingers warm...It a bonus in two ways...I get to use up my yarn and someone keeps warm. They have plenty of drives around here...I think just doing a neighborhood one would truly rock!
@bounce58 (17385)
• Canada
16 Oct 11
I live in a small complex. We have a clubhouse where we get all our mails. In there is a bulletin board for all the residents in the complex. I saw something similar posted there a few weekends ago. I think there were kids that were supposed to go around the complex to collect old clothes. Not sure if they came when I was not at home, or they haven't come knocking yet.
If you have something similar where you live, then maybe you could start with that -an announcement of when you'd be going around.
@msfrancisco9369 (10002)
• Boston, Massachusetts
14 Oct 11
Hi Maezee,
That's a great and noble idea and deed. If you have your facebook account you can make a post about this initiative and solicit stuff from your friends. Explore all the varied media programs that you can to generate support. There are so many people who wanted to give and share they just don't know how and where--supply them the link!
