As part of her assignment in Professor Danny Rosen's class, MSW student Anna Brilliant started the Caring Clothes Drive for children in the Homewood community which ran from February 21st to March 14th. The drive collected $395 and $50 in DSW gift cards. The money was used to purchase new clothes and shoes for children whose families were dealing with financial hardship and reached out to the organizer. Additionally, community members and church congregates left new or gently used clothing at one of the two locations: Bible Center Church and Everyday Café in Homewood. All donations were delivered by the organizer to the individual families.
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic there was a flurry of support from community members and organizations to help connect people to resources such as rental assistance and food. As the world returns to pre-pandemic ways, many of these programs and efforts are coming to an end, putting an additional strain on individuals and families.
Unlike rental assistance or access to food, finding affordable or free clothing presents with many challenges. Many organizations stopped collecting clothes due to COVID-19 and lack items in children sizes. The majority of organizations in Pittsburgh that provide clothes are not located in the Homewood area and can be difficult to reach via public transportation.
The drive aimed to ease the burden on families who expressed the need for new clothes and shoes for their children. The families who received the clothes were incredibly grateful and appreciative.
A special thank you to the Bible Center Church for their support and assistance for making the clothing drive possible and successful.
Purchased:
Purchased:
- 14 pants
- 14 shirts
- 2 sweatshirts/ jackets
- 10 packs of underwear
- 15 packs of socks
- 3 pairs of sneakers
Donated:
- 42 pants/shorts
- 106 shirts
- 29 sweatshirts/ jackets
- 1 dress
- 20 pairs of shoes