Clothing
Throw 'N' Go
This annual program started in 2003. From spring break until move out at the end of the year, Kent State residence hall students donate non-perishable food, clothes, rugs, furniture and other usable items via the Throw ‘n’ Go program. Bins placed in designated areas in the residence halls collect donations which benefit Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center. Collection bins are also located in the KSU Alumni Center for off-campus students and seniors. Donations are close to 100,000 pounds every year!
Winter Coat and Clothing Drive
For four weeks in November and December, Kent State University collects clean, gently used or new items for all ages including warm clothing, hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters. Look for large boxes wrapped with wintry wrapping paper and Winter Coat and Clothing Drive signs in common areas at select buildings listed below. The Winter Coat and Clothing Drive is part of the Kent State's Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events. Winter coat and clothing donations will go to the Winter Warm Up Station at the Women’s Center and the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center, which provides items to homeless individuals, families, elderly, and veterans in need free of charge. In 2019, nearly 900 pounds of clothing and of this, 811 pounds went to the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center and 88 pounds went to the Winter Warm Up Station at the Women's Center. The Winter Coat and Clothing Drive is coordinated by Kent State's Community Engaged Learning, Kent State of Wellness, Office of Sustainability, and the Women's Center. This yearly event started in 2018.
Bra Recycling Drive
Kent State University’s Office of Sustainability and the Women’s Center host a bra drive, during the month of October coinciding with fall mammogram screenings, to collect reusable or worn-out bras since 2013. Bras that are in good condition are donated to Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center, and worn-out bras are recycled via The Bra Recyclers to be shredded and turned into wiper cloths and other textiles. Bras that are washed and clean can be dropped off during the drive at the Women’s Center Carriage House or at the Office of Sustainability at Suite 101 in Harbourt Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Kent State Career Closet
The Kent State University Women's Center, Launch Net and The Career Exploration and Development Center have partnered to create the Career Closet! Located in the Women's Center, the Career Closet is a place for all students to pick out a professional outfit for interviews and other professional affairs. For all students with a Kent State University ID, the Career Closet is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Williamson House. The Career Closet is always collecting donations: new or gently used professional pieces for men or women, ties, hangers and gift cards for laundering.
The Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center Drop Off at Kent State University Williamson House Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center offers gently used clothing, household items and even appliances, as available, to families and individuals in need at absolutely no cost. The center serves more than 3,000 individuals and families every month. It also has a focus on protecting the environment by keeping these nice items out of the garbage; 215 tons of clothing is diverted from landfills each year.
Clothing can be dropped off at Kent State University Williamson House Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Clothes that can be used for the KSU Career Closet will be donated. All other clothing donations will go to the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center.
The Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center
The Fabric Pantry
The Fabric Pantry was founded in 2021 as an organization devoted to providing free fabrics and sewing materials to Kent State Students. Every year we hold a fashion show to display the innovation and talent of Kent State creatives and demonstrate how access to materials can foster creativity amongst students. The fabric pantry’s main purpose is to provide free fabric for students in the fashion school. This will reduce the deterrent many low-income students have when applying to the cost-heavy major. On top of that, fast fashion has vastly increased the amount.
Clothing
For clothing, you can donate to the stores below, or find the nearest clothing recycler.
PORTAGE COUNTY SOLID WASTE RECYCLING DISTRICT
Usable Clothing Drop-off Locations
Family & Community Services, Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center
3377 State Route 59 Ravenna, Ohio 44266
Phone: 330-296-0503
This nonprofit organization makes clothing available to anyone who can use it for FREE.
Goodwill Industries
2528 OH-59 Kent, OH 44240
Phone: 330-677-5402
Village Discount Outlet
2930 State Rd, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
Recycle Clothing
Levi Strauss and Co. now collects and recycles any brand of clothing or shoes at any Levi's store. Consumers may drop off any brand of clean clothing or shoes in collection boxes. Any consumer who brings an item of clothing or shoes to recycle will receive a voucher for 20% off a single, regular-priced Levi’s item in-store.
The Blue Jeans Go Green program collects denim across the country and upcycles it into UltraTouchTM Denim Insulation, providing a portion to communities in need each year.
Or find the nearest recycler.