What does Clothes To Kids do?
The mission of Clothes To Kids RI, Inc. is to provide new and quality used clothing to school-age students from low-income or in-crisis families in the Providence County, free of charge. Clothes To Kids RI is not a consignment store and distributes all of the items that are donated to kids in the community for free.
How do families find out about you?
Families find out about Clothes To Kids RI through schools and human service providers in the Providence community. Families must have a letter showing the children’s eligibility for free and reduced price lunch or a referral letter from:
- A social worker or case manager employed at a local social service agency.
- A teacher, administrator, guidance counselor or social worker from a school.
- A leader from a family’s place of worship.
What are your most needed clothing items?
Clothes To Kids RI gladly accepts all clothing that would be appropriate for children and young adults grades K-12 to wear to school. Please download our Donation Guidelines for a full list accepted items.
- Pants for Girls and Boys (sizes 4T-20)
- Warm winter coats for anyone
- NEW, packaged underwear for anyone (kids size 6 to adult)
- NEW, packaged socks for anyone (kids size small to adult)
- Shoes for anyone (kids size 13-adult size 13)
- Plus-size jeans and pants for Young Women (sizes 12 and up)
- Pants for Young Men (especially waist size 27-38)
- Clothing appropriate for school uniforms for anyone (khaki, black or navy pants and polo shirts)
If you would like to hold a clothing drive for Clothes To Kids RI, please use our and Drive and Special Collection Ideas to help get you started. Sponsoring an Undie 500 to collect new underwear and socks or a Sole Train to collect shoes is one of the best ways you can help!
Who receives the clothing?
Children of low-income families and at-risk youth are eligible to receive clothing. Our shoppers range in age from Kindergarten through 12th grade and individuals pursuing a GED up to age 21. A referral form is required. Please review our eligibility guidelines for more information.
Where does your clothing come from?
Most of our clothing is donated from local families who have children that have outgrown their clothes. Many organizations, churches, schools and corporations help stock our store with clothing drives and through our Apparel Partners that provide new clothing. Please take a look at our Donation Guidelines and Drive and Special Collection Ideas to help get you started with your own collection!
How do I become a financial supporter?
All of the funding for Clothes to Kids RI comes from individuals, corporations, churches, civic and fraternal organizations and foundations. Clothes to Kids RI receives no federal or state funding. We gratefully accept all financial gifts. Clothes to Kids RI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, meaning that your gift will be tax deductible.
Do you accept volunteers?
The Clothes To Kids RI store is almost entirely volunteer operated and has a wide range of service opportunities available. Adult volunteers are always needed, especially during times when the store is open to serve shoppers. Youth volunteers are also invited to process clothing donations at the store. Please visit our volunteer page for more information and to fill out an application.
Please note that we do not accept volunteers in need of court-ordered community service hours.