Helping Women and Children in Crisis by Distributing Clothing and Other Essentials at No Cost

Sweater Weather Has Arrived...

WGB is breaking out the sweaters and hot cocoa mugs! This week, we’re making our big seasonal switch to Fall/Winter clothing, which means completely turning over the Boutique and unpacking all those boxes of long pants, sweaters, coats, scarves, and other cold-weather favorites. It’s a BIG job, and we could use a few extra hands to help us get everything ready to keep our clients warm and comfortable through the chilly months ahead. If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, now is a great time to sign up!

...And That Means Toy Season!

Clearing out our seasonal storage also means making room for something much more festive: Holiday Workshop toys! Last year, our Holiday Workshop helped 524 children receive wonderful gifts to make their holiday a little brighter, and we’re getting ready to do it all again. One of the biggest ways you can help right now is by hosting a Toy Drive through your business, church, community group, neighborhood, or circle of friends. 

Click below for details on accepted items, and if you’d like a customized flyer featuring your own collection and drop-off information, reach out to Hailey@WomenGivingBack.org.

Earlier this month, we recognized National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day, drawing attention to a basic need that is often overlooked. Now, the first national survey of clothing banks is giving us a clearer picture of just how much that need is growing. Among the organizations surveyed, the median increase in children needing free clothing over the past five years was an unfathomable 78%. 

At WGB, this work is something we see every day. More than 4,100 children receive free clothing through our Boutique each year, choosing items that fit, are appropriate for the season, and help them feel comfortable and confident. And as families continue to balance the rising costs of housing, food, transportation, and other necessities, access to quality clothing can take one more expense off their plates.

We couldn't do it without all of you. Our donors keep the racks filled, financial support helps us purchase what donations can't provide, and our volunteers put in countless hours sorting, hanging, stocking, and preparing clothing before it ever reaches the Boutique floor.

Thank you for helping us meet a need that may not always get much attention, but makes a very real difference for the families we serve. And if it's been a while since your last volunteer shift, we'd love to have you back!

Providing clothing and essentials can help someone through a difficult moment, but our goal is also to help women build toward a future where they no longer need WGB’s support.

Last month, over 40 women participated in workshops at WGB designed to do just that.

Two EmpowerHER workshops were offered with Britepaths where participants worked on building confidence, setting personal and professional goals, and creating a plan to reach them. A Resume Workshop with CREW offered hands-on help with resumes and interviewing, including one-on-one coaching to help participants better highlight their skills and experience.

Participants had the opportunity to ask questions, receive individual guidance, and leave with skills and tools they can continue using long after the workshop ended.

A huge thank you to Britepaths and CREW for helping us go beyond meeting today's needs and give women more tools for whatever comes next.

This month, WGB wants to thank the amazing Joan Dunn. She truly goes above and beyond and is such an incredible asset to the organization. She volunteers in the Warehouse, Boutique, and Diaper Pantry; participates in Speakers Bureau and outreach events; and has logged more than 850 volunteer hours since she started with WGB in September 2021!

She has volunteered at nearly every special event, often pulls doubles, and is always willing to go the extra mile when we need a helping hand. She has also connected WGB with several different military organizations and, somehow, still finds time to volunteer with other groups throughout the community!

As Joan reaches her five-year anniversary with WGB, it feels like the perfect time to recognize just how much she has given to this organization. She donates so much of her time, energy, and heart to supporting our mission - and while she certainly doesn’t do any of it for the recognition, we feel like she deserves some.

Learn more about becoming an Annual Sponsor here.

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