“Socks and underwear.” When anyone asks what items are needed most at the GRACE Clothing Room, Dina Pesina, Clothing Room manager, will say “socks and underwear,” and often quickly add, “for boys.”
GRACE Donation Station—and the generosity of those who drop off their gently-used clothing there—supplies most of the clothing Dina needs for the thousands of childrens’ clothing packets she distributes each year.
Last year Dina gave out more than 1,500 clothing packets and nearly 2,500 pairs of shoes, in addition to hundreds of winter jackets, pajama sets, bedding, and bath items.
Adults (and older children) in need of clothing for school, work, interviews, and others critical needs are given vouchers good at the GRACEful Buys shopping centers in Grapevine and Euless. Last year, GRACE clients received nearly $70,000 worth of clothing from GRACE stores.
Still, when it comes to socks and underwear, brand new is better, if not mandated by health regulations. GRACE was among the first wave of nonprofit agencies to be accepted by the Bombas organization.
If you are familiar with Bombas Socks, you have surely seen the recent commercials featuring Bombas founders Randy Goldberg and David Heath. After learning socks were the most requested item of clothing in shelters, they launched the brand with a mission to donate one pair of socks for every pair purchased.
Since that time, more than 39 million pairs of socks have been donated to nonprofit social service agencies like GRACE who serve populations at-risk for homelessness or near homelessness. They also promote volunteerism in their nearly 3,000 partners across the country.
Currently, Bombas is waitlisting agency applicants. In order to maintain both a high volume of sock donations and ample service to all partners agencies, the company has capped the number of agencies they support. It may take at least a year for Bombas to onboard new organizations.
The company maintains a Bombas Giving Directory to help connect their customers with local service agencies and opportunities to serve local communities. GRACE is honored to be listed among the Bombas Partners.
For more information about the GRACE Clothing Room, contact Dina Pesina at 817-305-4646.
