The Clothing Bank of New York City is the only program in New York City that distributes NEW apparel to benefit the City's homeless population.
Since its inception in 1986, the Clothing Bank has collected more than $85 million worth of new apparel and toys. Donations of clothing and other items are solicited from more than 500 local and national manufacturers, including The Gap, Sears, Liz Claiborne, and Toys 'R' Us. The Clothing Bank distributes this merchandise to more than 300 public and private member agencies that serve homeless men, women, and children throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City. The CLOTHING BANK does not distribute to individuals.
Nearly every aspect of the Clothing Bank's operation depends on volunteer support. Volunteers solicit contributions of surplus goods, out-of-season merchandise or seconds. They then unpack, inventory, sort, and re-pack all merchandise for redistribution. Items are always processed and distributed in a timely manner.
The Clothing Bank distributes approximately $75 worth of new apparel for every $1 spent. Operation costs, including all paid staff, are approximately $120,000 per year. The Clothing Bank depends on the kindness of apparel manufacturers, volunteers and donors to carry out its mission with a limited budget. All contributions to the Clothing Bank are tax-deductible through the New York City Voluntary Action Corporation, the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt funding arm of the Mayor's Volunteer Center. All monetary donations should be made payable to the New York City Voluntary Action Corporation.
Former President Bush awarded the Clothing Bank with the President's Volunteer Action Award in 1989. The program has been so successful that New York's Clothing Bank -- the first of its kind in the nation -- has been replicated in Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Providence and Toronto.
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