Brrrrr, the Capital Weather Gang has predicted that the Washington, DC metro area may experience another incredibly cold winter weather season, which means warm winter clothing needs for the area homeless may be on the rise.  Gifts for the Homeless will answer that call with our annual used clothing drive being held from Friday, December 5 through Sunday, December 7, 2014.

We are in need of veteran and new donors and volunteers to join us to help collect, sort and distribute massive amounts of used clothing to the many area shelters that we serve. Our drive will run similar to past drives (last year we collected and distributed nearly 5,000 large bags of used clothing to over 60 area shelters and other homeless service providers), so please check out our FAQs and past drive articles on the “Used Clothing Drive” page on the drop-down menu of our “Clothing Drive” tab on the top of our website for more info.

It’s never too early to get started on preparing for the drive, especially as the weather starts to cool down and we begin to transition to warmer clothing.  Here are some ways that you can help right now:

  • Head over here to sign-up online to volunteer for the 2014 Gifts for the Homeless annual used clothing drive.  We appreciate as much time as you can to volunteer, whether for a few hours, one day or even two or three days.  Volunteer opportunities range from sorting and bagging clothing donations to helping deliver them directly to the organizations that we serve in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
  • Begin to look through your closets and drawers (and anywhere else) to see what you can designate for our donations.  We unfortunately cannot accept used clothing donations prior to the drive weekend, but hope you can tag the clothing or find some space to set it aside until donation time comes around during the first weekend of December.  Examples of items that we accept are on our FAQ page larger sized men’s clothing is always high in demand.
  • Start telling your employers (including law firms and other legally-focused organizations), coworkers, friends, family, neighbors and others who you know about the drive, especially that we are in need of clothing donations and volunteers and how they can get started.

We are excited to hold the drive again this year!  Thanks for your dedication and support!