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.