DONATE CLOTHING

Help someone look (and feel) confident

Make a Great First Impression

We want participants to look (and feel!) confident and professional as they embark on their journey to employment. That’s why we outfit every Cara participant with professional attire to help build that sense of pride and preparedness that can come along with something as simple as a suit. By donating your new or gently worn professional clothing, you can help make a difference.

STEP 1

Clothing donations may be dropped off Monday–Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, at the Cara Collective offices: 237 S. Desplaines.

STEP 2

Upon entering the building, let the receptionist know you are dropping off a clothing donation.

STEP 3

As you drop off your clothing, you will be asked to fill out a receipt suitable for tax purposes and given a copy for your records.

Women’s Clothing

  • Suits (blazers with matching skirts or pants)
  • Blazers
  • Dress pants or slacks
  • Blouses
  • Dresses
  • Belts
  • Dress shoes (closed toe, preferably flats) and tights (new)
  • Purses and briefcases
  • Overcoats

We are always looking for larger sizes in clothing and shoes.

Men’s Clothing

  • Suits (jackets with matching pants)
  • Sportcoats
  • Button-up dress shirts
  • Belts
  • Dress shoes
  • Ties
  • Briefcases
  • Overcoats

We are always looking for larger sizes in clothing and shoes.

  • “The first time I put on a suit, I looked in the mirror and saw a boss looking back at me. I walked out the door with my head held high and the world looked so new.”
    – Corneisha, Graduate, Cara Class of October 2018

Items We Cannot Accept

  • Sweat pants, athletic clothing/footwear, or hoodies
  • Corduroy pants and jackets
  • Denim or denim-like material (jacket, pants, or shirts)
  • White, cream or bold color suits, slacks, or skirts
  • Open toe shoes or sandals
  • Children’s clothing

Get Involved

Donate

Please consider a gift to this mission, and help bring people back to hope, jobs, and opportunity.

More Ways to Give

Discover more ways to support our mission and help set our Cara participants up for success.

Contact Us

Have a question or want to learn more about Cara Collective? We’ll help point you in the right direction.