Annual Clothing and Housewares Drive Serves Community

On November 6th, Washington Irving Intermediate School held its annual “Gently Used Clothing and Housewares Drive,” an event that gets clothing and household items to those in need at a greatly reduced cost, while helping people clean out closets and reorganize their homes without putting items into the trash. (Donations are also accepted for goods that are taken.) The event, which was conceptualized and initiated by Washington Irving teacher Elisabeth Hickey, has been running since 2007 with the exception of last year due to Covid. 

Ms. Hickey says that she started the Clothing and Housewares Drive after her first year teaching in the district, as she noticed there was a need in the community and schools, and that this could benefit the environment. “It also helped me empty my closets and do my recycling part,” she said. “It was fun to see some of my children’s clothing on students for several years.”

Ms. Hickey says she also appreciates the students’ participation in helping to organize the goods. “The students and their families are unbelievably supportive, which is a good indicator of their character and what they find important.”

Thanks to the generosity of many community members, organizations, and businesses such as The Cube Inn, Mint, Gullotta House, The Teachers' Association of The Tarrytowns, and several private donations, the drive was a rousing success! All proceeds from the drive go directly to programs at Washington Irving. We thank all who participated in the donations of clothing, household items, money, time, and sheer muscle. We couldn’t have done it without you!