Two months ago, I started 'The Empty Hanger' as my initiative to send packages of good usable clothing to families and individuals in need. It is my goal and dream to expand my effort to a national organization.

This all began when I was cleaning out my closest of clothes that I no longer wanted, and I did the same for my girl's closets. What I ended up with was a pile of clothing that was in good shape. I didn't want to donate to resale shops because I realized that there are people that do not have access to these places because they either have financial or physical (or both) barriers that shut them out of services like this.

I started a page on aidpages.com, (Under the name 'The Empty Hanger') and there I located my first family; a disabled single mom of two girls in Pennsylvania. I shipped a package that cost about $15. I found a second family there in Michigan, a single mom of three boys, and it cost $12 to send her a package. I also delivered a package locally to a single mom.

I put out a plea for donations of good usable clothing and slowly, I started getting packages of clothes, purses, and accessories. I have bins set up that are divided by gender, size, etc.

I check all items for stains and rips, and I make sure the buttons and zippers are in working order. All clothes are then washed and sorted by size and gender.

Financial donations cover shipping charges. The cost to ship a package costs between $12-$15.

The $100 donation I requested here could allow me to send multiple packages. The financial issue is my only barrier to get more packages out on a regular basis. I average about 50 requests a day for help from all over the country.

On top of the package contents I place an empty hanger with a note card attached that reads:

"Here's an empty hanger from my home to you.
Every time you use it, remember that this is true.
The kindness of a stranger has touched you on this day
Be thankful what little you have in each and every way
As you use this hanger, consider yourself so blessed
And hang upon it your favorite outfit or perhaps a special dress
Then every time you see it, you'll remember all the year through.
That this hanger is no longer empty
Instead it is holding something special entirely meant just for you!"

My goal is to achieve non-profit status in 2008, and start an official website where a network can be set up for donations and those that need help.

ABOUT ME:

I am a single parent of two girls, and my hobbies include writing poetry (I have aspirations to write a book), the theater, scrap booking and card making. I also have many community-based interests that help the less fortunate in my area.

You can find out more about me under the name 'The Empty Hanger' at:

Greedy or Needy

Wish Upon A Hero

Aidpages