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. We all have clothing in our closets that we'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 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 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 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 clothing drives can be conducted any time of the year. The need for clothing doesn't take a holiday! The perfect time for your clothing drive is NOW. Select a start date that gives you plenty of time for planning and organization.
STEP 4: REGISTER YOUR CLOTHING DRIVE
Registration your 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 clothing, such as just coats adn winter gear, or perhaps just children's clothes. 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 you hope to collect. Don't be afraid to think big!
STEP 7: SPREAD THE WORD!
Promote your 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 clothing drive's success. Download a poster for your event.
STEP 8: COLLECT THE CLOTHING
As clothing donations come in, check your collection areas for overflow and box items as you go. Continue promoting your clothing drive throughout the collection period.
STEP 9: DELIVER THE CLOTHING
If you drop off the clothing yourself, you save us time, money, and resources. Contact Natalie at 856-845-4500 or nfortunato@southjerseydreamcenter.org to make arrangements to transfer the clothes.
Clothing Drive business Partners
