In celebration of National Public Works Week, the Brookline Department of Public Works (DPW) will host a clothing drive for residents to donate an array of unwanted textiles.
The event will take place on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in South Brookline at the Municipal Service Center, 870 Hammond St.
Residents are encouraged to drop off unwanted clothing, home linens, shoes and accessories, regardless of condition. All materials must be placed in plastic bags prior to donation.
The DPW is collaborating with Thrifty Threads, a volunteer-run thrift store, to promote local textile recirculation efforts. Thrifty Threads provides residents with high-quality, low-cost second-hand clothing and accessories, and makes specific donations to different non-profit organizations throughout the area.
Thrifty Threads is seeking clothing items in good condition, particularly children’s summer clothing and all-season clothing for adults. Please bring any items for donation to Thrifty Threads in a separate bag labeled “Thrifty Threads.”
All other materials will be donated to Helpsy, the Town’s partner in textile recovery. Helpsy accepts materials regardless of age or condition, but items must be dry and odorless.
DPW’s Zero Waste Program Manager Katie Weatherseed is excited to kick off National Public Works Week with this opportunity for residents to responsibly dispose of clothing and other textiles, saying: “Working with organizations like Thrifty Threads and Helpsy enables us to support our community while keeping textiles out of the landfill. Help us fill a Public Works truck with textiles, and give your unwanted items a second life!”
Helpsy currently offers two options for Brookline residents to responsibly dispose of their textiles year-round. Residents with three or more bags of textiles can request an at-home pickup by visiting Helpsy’s website at www.helpsy.com/pickup or by calling 1-800-244-6350.
Alternatively, two drop-off bins are located across from Skyline Park at 815 Newton St. These bins are free to use and accessible 24/7.
Additional information regarding Brookline’s textile recovery program can be found at www.brooklinema.gov/textiles.