Charitable Union seeks donations, volunteers ahead of back-to-school clothing events

Greyson Steele, Battle Creek Enquirer
·2 min read
Charitable Union is seeking donations of new and gently used clothing for its annual back to school clothing events.
Charitable Union is seeking donations of new and gently used clothing for its annual back to school clothing events.

BATTLE CREEK — Charitable Union was founded 136 years ago with the goal of ensuring children have all that they need to be successful in school, namely clothing.

The tradition of clothing children for school continues this year as Battle Creek's longest-standing charitable organization collects donations for its annual back to school clothing events in August.

New or gently used items can be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the nonprofit's office, 85 Calhoun St.

Additionally, the following locations are also accepting donations until July 31:

  • Battle Creek Public Schools

  • Calhoun County Visitors Bureau

  • Cresco Lab

  • Ermisch Travel

  • Grand Trunk Credit Union

  • Harper Creek Community Schools

  • Homestead Savings Bank

  • Honor Credit Union (all three locations)

  • Kellogg Community College

  • Pet Supplies Plus

  • Sturges Bank

  • The ARC of Calhoun County

  • Worgess Insurance Agency

“We are looking forward to another great year of serving the community," Charitable Union CEO Teresa Allen said. "We know families are struggling right now and how helpful these new outfits are to the entire family."

CEO Teresa Allen smiles for a photograph on Oct. 19, 2021 at Charitable Union in Battle Creek. The 136-year tradition of clothing children for school will continue this year as Battle Creek's longest-standing charitable organization collects donations for its annual back to school clothing events in August.
CEO Teresa Allen smiles for a photograph on Oct. 19, 2021 at Charitable Union in Battle Creek. The 136-year tradition of clothing children for school will continue this year as Battle Creek's longest-standing charitable organization collects donations for its annual back to school clothing events in August.

Allen said the agency still needs more donations, specifically boys pants sizes 5-10 and 14-20, shirts 12-20 and underwear sizes large and XL; girls pants sizes 6-8 and 18-20 and shirts sizes 14-20.

Men's pants, waist sizes 25-34, and women's pants sizes 3-12 are also needed.

Staff and volunteers will load trucks and create mobile stores throughout the county in August, with stops in Albion, Harper Creek, Homer and Marshall the week of Aug. 7, in addition to events in Battle Creek Aug. 15-16. Specific dates and times in Albion, Harper Creek, Homer and Marshall are still being finalized, Allen said.

Who can participate?

Calhoun County families, with children in grades K-12, who have an active Bridge/Medicaid/WIC card are eligible to participate. Parents are required to bring photo ID and their Bridge/Medicaid/WIC card to the event.

The Battle Creek event will be by appointment only. Families can begin scheduling appointments July 27 by calling (269) 964-7234 or in person at 85 Calhoun St.

Charitable Union is also seeking volunteers to help with its back to school events in August. Those interested can email nicole@charitableunion.org or call (269) 964-7234 to sign up.

“Many hands make light work,” Charitable Union Operations Manager Nicole Frohlich said. "We can always use volunteers, but August is a hard month for us. Lots of our volunteers have vacations or are preparing their families for back to school and have limited hours of availability. This is compounded by our off-site events that pull our staff out of the office.”

For more information, call (269) 964-7234 or visit charitableunion.org.

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Charitable Union seeks donations for back-to-school clothing drive