someone needs what you no longer need
As the seasons change and children grow, the need for clothing in families going through crisis or transition becomes greater than ever. Possibly you have clothing in your children’s closets that they’ve outgrown or simply don't use anymore. How about mobilizing friends, neighbors, co-workers, or your group or club to help gather up these unwanted items, newborn to children’s size 8, to pass along to those who need them, right here in our local communities. Important: you must be with an organization, business, or group to host a clothing drive, no individual collections please.
LET'S GET STARTED!
Step 1: DESIGNATE A COORDINATOR
This person (very possibly you!) will be responsible for communication with the South Jersey Dream Center, promoting the Children’s Clothing Drive, and coordinating the actual collection. You may want to have several people act as a committee, but there should only be one person in contact with us.
STEP 2: ASK FOR SUPPORT
Make sure your school, church, office, or organization top management has endorsed your Children’s Clothing Drive and will do everything they can to help you organize, promote, and run it.
STEP 3: CHOOSE YOUR DATES
Holidays are typically the time when most people lend a helping hand, but Children’s Clothing Drives can be conducted any time of the year. The need for clothing doesn't take a holiday! The perfect time for your Children’s Clothing Drive is NOW. Select a start date that gives you plenty of time for planning and organization.
STEP 4: REGISTER YOUR CLOTHING DRIVE
Register your Children’s Clothing Drive using the form to the right. Though we appreciate all donations, please make sure to visit our Donate Clothing and Household Items page to see what items we can't accept.
STEP 5: PLAN YOUR COLLECTION
Decide if you want to collect a particular items of children’s clothing, such as outerwear, socks, or pajamas, or perhaps just everyday clothing. Choose a high traffic area for your collection containers. Have a contest between departments or group members to see who can collect the most pounds of clothes. Earn a dress down day if you bring a donated coat to work on Friday.
STEP 6: SET A GOAL!
People like to shoot for a goal. Determine how many items or how many pounds you hope to collect. Don't be afraid to think big!
STEP 7: SPREAD THE WORD!
Promote your Children’s Clothing Drive by hanging posters, distributing flyers, and making announcements at meetings. Put notices in your local newsletter, bulletin, or other publications. Put collection boxes out early, and decorate containers to draw attention to them. Include your goal in all your publicity material. Spreading the word is essential to your Children’s Clothing Drive’s success. Please make sure to include in all materials that you are looking for “lightly used clothing in excellent condition”.
STEP 8: COLLECT THE CLOTHING
As clothing donations come in, check your collection areas for overflow and box items as you go. Please inspect all clothing and discard any items that are in poor condition, stained, or damaged. We want the moms and dads who receive the donated items to feel respected and to maintain their dignity during their challenging times. Continue promoting your Children’s Clothing Drive throughout the collection period. Take lots of photos to pass along to the Dream Center.
STEP 9: DELIVER THE CLOTHING
If you drop off the clothing yourself, you save us time, money, and resources.
