After the second of two clothing recycling events at the village of Oak Park’s Public Works Center this year, close to 7,000 pounds of clothing was collected for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago.
Janet Anderson, business development manager for the EFGC, said the nonprofit organization has partnered with Oak Park’s Public Works Center recycling program since 2012.
The most recent clothing drive was held last month, collecting more than 3,500 pounds of used clothing, shoes, linens, luggage, towels and more.
“Each drive that we do just seems to get better and better,” Anderson said.
She noted that the clothing drives are especially efficient, in terms of the three hours spent collecting a large quantity of clothes.
Anderson said EFGC, which does work in 43 counties, has partnered with Savers thrift stores in the Chicago area since 2011. Donated clothing is either recycled or sold at the Savers stores. The EFGC takes income from clothing sales and puts it toward programs that send children to summer camps and offer art therapy for children and adults.
In 2014, the EFGC saw $570,000 in clothing donation income. As state funding dwindles, Anderson said the money raised has become crucial.
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“Donations generate revenue that will be used for important programs the foundation conducts,” Anderson said. “It’s really substantial.”
The next clothing drive in Oak Park is planned for April 8, 2017, Anderson said. The EFGC works with 130,000 Chicago area residents with seizure disorders.
For more information, visit www.epilepsychicago.org.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.