The Back to School Clothing Drive has wrapped up!
This is the third year that community members were invited to donate new or gently used clothing items for school-age kids through adults, and then everyone was invited to come and "shop" for free!
On Friday, August 23rd, we had an amazing group of staff and volunteers setting up the Program Room with all of the donations. All clothing was inspected to make sure they are in good condition that someone would want to take with them and wear proudly. Items were then sorted so that patrons could find what they were looking for.
"There were so many donations that every library table was filled," said organizer and Teen Librarian Gabi Draxler. "There were sorting stacks on the floor, and even two clothing racks were full!"
Over the course of the two days, 331 people came to the Clothing Drive. There were wagons, boxes, and bags taken home to give the clothing items new life and to help those in need.
"We saw families shopping for back to school clothing, people looking for interview attire and the changing seasons," said Draxler. "It's always amazing to hear from the community members the difference that this event makes in their lives and we are so glad that the library can help make this a positive impact."
This was our biggest Clothing Drive to date, and we are excited to see where the next one takes us. There were only a few boxes of clothing items left over, and those items will be donated to other organizations in the community that work to provide items to those who need them in the most accessible way possible. Items that were not in a suitable condition will be taken through textile recycling in an effort to keep textile waste out of landfills.
Thank you to all those that made donations and who volunteered to help at the event. It was the perfect illustration of how we build community at the library - and we are grateful to have so much support.
Stay tuned for our Baby and Toddler Clothing Drive this winter.
There will be information about when and what we are accepting for donations and when you can come and "shop" for free for the baby
or toddler in your life!