Our Story
Donating unwanted clothing is a wonderful idea - but unfortunately, it often does not get to the people who need it. Despite our best intentions, much of what is generously given in the hope of being helpful, winds up in the garbage.
We are two grandmas in a small town, semi-retired, who like to do projects together. One had access to brand new clothing from a local store that was going to be shipped back to a warehouse; the other had a closet full of nice office clothes she no longer wore. We took our donations and volunteered at a local clothing shelf - only to find they were overwhelmed with donations and did not have the capacity to sort and distribute the items. We were dismayed to discover our donations were discarded. Upon further investigation, we learned that 80% of discarded clothing goes to landfills!
And yet, we knew there were people in our own community who would enjoy these clothes and give then a second life.
How does this happen?
- Charities often do not have adequate staffing to manage the process.
- People who need clothes may not have the ability to get to distribution centers.
- Social workers and counselors do not have the time to shop for their clients.
We decided to become the missing piece by managing distribution and matching needs.
The Community Clothesline solicits donations, networks with social service agencies, sorts, inventories and picks up and delivers clothes directly to people who need them. We also connect with nonprofit groups (schools, residential programs, community service organizations, etc.), find the appropriate matches and deliver the clothing. We set-up "pop-up" stores in underserved areas. All our donations are carefully sorted and stored until needed. All our clothing is redistributed free of charge.
Our goal is to serve our neighbors and reduce the amount of perfectly good clothing going to landfills.
WITH THE HELP OF MANY COMMUNITY PARTNERS...
...the Community Clothesline solicits donations, networks with social service agencies, sorts, picks up and delivers clothes directly to people who need them.
how the clothesline works
Need clothing? Call us! We deliver!
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
The Community Clothesline fills orders for individuals, families and case managers. Simply call 585 331-6784 and leave your name, phone number and a short message - we will call you back. Orders are usually packed up and delivered within the week. We will fill your order to the best of our ability, depending on current inventory.
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
All clothing donated to the Community Clothesline is sorted and redistributed free of charge. We make every attempt to keep textiles out of the landfills, so we make it easy...just call us and we will schedule a convenient pick-up. We accept clothes, shoes, and household textiles such as towels, sheets, and blankets.
Host a pop-up!
Clothes to donate? Call us! We pick up!
Have a "mini" pop-up!
The Clothesline sets up and manages free
pop-up stores at community events. If your organization is interested in hosting one, call early...we only schedule two per month.
Have a "mini" pop-up!
Fill your community clothing closet!
Have a "mini" pop-up!
If your organization would like to hold its own pop-up, we can bring a limited amount of clothing, and loan you our racks.
Fill your community clothing closet!
Fill your community clothing closet!
Fill your community clothing closet!
Does your organization have a clothing shelf with limited space? We can bring bulk items (socks, underwear, gloves, hats, etc.) to keep you supplied.
Volunteer!
Fill your community clothing closet!
Fill your community clothing closet!
WE NEED YOU!
The Clothesline is dependent upon free labor! We have a variety of volunteer needs; sorting and labeling inventory, pulling orders and driving for pick ups and deliveries.
True fabric circularity is on the horizon
New Textile Recycling Company Moving to Rochester NY
PARIS, FRANCE, (January 20, 2026) – Reju, the textile-to-textile regeneration company, today announced it has selected the site for its first U.S.-based industrial facility marking a significant milestone in its efforts to scale globally. This future Regeneration Hub will be in Rochester, New York, reinforcing Reju’s commitment to the adoption of circular textile system across key regions worldwide.
The Community Clothesline is ecstatic that Rochester's Kodak Park will be the home of Reju's first US plant. The facility is scheduled to open in 2029, but in the meantime, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes has begun collecting fabric for recycling.
Area Goodwill stores have blue bins in their front lobbies in which people can deposit their "Worn and Torn" clothing - clothing that would not be placed on their store shelves for resell. In the past, these distressed items would have been slated for landfill; NOW Reju will chemically deconstruct and re-spin the polyesters into new fabric. Other fibers (cotton, linen, wool) will be passed along to fabric shredders for reuse as upholstery, insulation, etc.
Every bag of clothing donated to the Clothesline is carefully screened and sorted. The Community Clothesline will be utilizing the Goodwill Worn and Torn Project to keep unusable items out of our landfills!
