City of Albuquerque Residents Recycle 10,220 Pounds of Clothes to Benefit Local Clothing Bank
June 9, 2021
Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, a program of the City of Albuquerque Solid Waste Management Department, hosted its annual Recyclothes Clothing Drive in partnership with Locker 505 at Hinkle Family Fun Center on June 5. The event is a unique way to promote the importance of recycling right. Instead of throwing away gently-used clothing in the trash, participants have the opportunity to donate it to a cause helping local K-12 students. This year, for the first time ever, the donations filled up the 90-foot bin.
“We weren’t sure what to expect after having to cancel the event last year, but we are thrilled that this year’s Recyclothes went so well,” said Solid Waste Management Director Matthew Whelan. “Without the generosity of everyone who showed up, we wouldn’t be able to help so many of our local students who need it.”
Residents from the greater Albuquerque area donated 10,220 pounds or just over 5 tons of gently-used clothes and accessories to help students in need. All of the donations directly benefit locker 505, a clothing bank that provides necessities to thousands of students every year so they can focus on learning. Students benefiting from the clothing bank receive a minimum of two sets of clothing, new socks, and new underwear. The event was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic.
“Albuquerque has come through again for the children in need in our community,” said Locker 505 Director Kim Kerschen. “The clothing collected through Recyclothes will assist us in clothing students next year as they return to school.”
Volunteers helped participants unload their cars as the donations piled in. Those who donated clothing received free donuts.
Locker 505 has helped more than 9,000 local students in the seven years it’s been operating.
If you missed the event and would like to donate to Locker 505, visit https://locker505.org for their current list of needs and a list of locations where you can drop off your gently-used clothing.