Neighbor to Neighbor is collecting fall and winter clothing for Greenwich families Sept. 23 through Sept. 26 as the nonprofit reports a 14 percent jump in clients over the past year.
The four-day drive at the Cohen Center, 248 East Putnam Ave., will accept new or gently used clothing for adults and children. Children's Halloween costumes are welcome, too.
Rising food and gasoline costs, along with changes in eligibility for federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, have pushed more households to seek help, the organization said in an announcement reported by the Greenwich Sentinel. Neighbor to Neighbor operates Greenwich's dedicated food pantry and also provides clothing and household essentials.
Executive Director K. Brent Hill called the drive a pilot, building on a children's clothing drive held last summer. "Following a successful children's clothing drive last summer, we are excited to bring this pilot to the community at a time when our neighbors need it most," Hill said.
The organization serves roughly 1,000 families across every Greenwich district, a figure that has tripled in eight years, according to Board President Adam Leader, who described the growth in August.
Neighbor to Neighbor runs a "Client Choice" model. Instead of receiving predetermined packages, clients select the items they need. Families may visit the Clothing and Essentials Room once each month.
Drop-off hours at the Cohen Center:
- Sept. 23 and Sept. 24: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 25: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Sept. 26: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
What to bring: Washed clothing free of rips and stains. Undergarments must be new, in original packaging or with tags. The drive will not accept shoes, hats, bags, belts, gloves, accessories, household items or local sports team shirts and jerseys.
Volunteers are needed during the drive. Contact Elvis Ruiz at 203-622-9208 or email [email protected] for details.
The drive closes Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m.
