Host a Clothing Drive
Organize your Drive
Will your clothing drive be internal—just for your church, workplace, or group—or open to the public?
Consider how broad your reach should be and how best to organize the drive within your community.
A themed clothing drive helps focus donations on the most needed items and makes participation fun and engaging.
- 🧦 "Sock It to Me!" Drive: Focus on collecting new socks, one of the most requested items in shelters.
- 🧤 "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts" Drive: Collect gloves, mittens, and hats for colder months.
- 🎒 "Back to School Boost" Drive: Gather children's clothing and shoes for students returning to school.
- 👔 "Dress for Success" Drive: Collect professional clothing to help job seekers prepare for interviews.
- 👟 "Kickin’ It Forward" Shoe Drive: Focus on gathering new or gently used sneakers and boots.
- 🩳 "Summer Ready" Drive: Provide shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for warm weather.
- 🍼 "Baby Bundle Drive": Collect infant onesies, blankets, and baby clothes for families in need.
Consider choosing a theme based on urgent needs in your community or the time of year.
Choose start and end dates for your clothing drive. A set timeframe helps keep donations organized and creates urgency.
Use social media, email, flyers, and word-of-mouth to spread the word. Clearly explain why you’re collecting clothing and what items are needed.
- Post a daily countdown reminder: "Only 3 days left—help us reach our goal!"
- Ask local businesses, churches, or schools to help share the message.
- Place collection bins in visible locations with clear signage.
Encourage people to donate new or gently used clothing. Items such as coats, jackets, shoes, shirts, pants, and other everyday wear are greatly appreciated.
- Items must be clean and in good condition.
- Avoid torn, stained, or damaged clothing.
- All sizes are welcome, especially children's and winter wear.
Once your drive is complete, we will work with you on the best time and location for donation drop-off.
Items that cannot be used by our partner ministries will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul in Cincinnati to ensure they reach those in need.