Donations for 10th Annual Recyclothes Clothing Drive Set New All-time Record

March 23, 2022

Residents rose to the challenge of collecting a record amount of clothing during Recyclothes this past Saturday, March 19. For the first time the clothing drive hosted by Keep Albuquerque Beautiful, a program of the City’s Solid Waste Management Department, and Locker # 505, filled up an entire yellow bin and half of a second one. The total amount of clothes, accessories, and toiletries collected during the five-hour event weighed in at 16,640 pounds or 8.3 tons. Last year’s event collected 10,220 pounds or just over 5 tons.

“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the community’s support for this event each year,” said SWMD Director Matthew Whelan. “Thank you to everyone who took the time of out of their Saturday to stop by and drop off bags or even just one bag of clothing. All of it is going to help make a big difference in the lives of Albuquerque-area children.”

Locker # 505 has served more than 10,000 students in the Albuquerque area since they opened in 2014. The non-profit sees close to 100 students every week, providing them with the clothes they need so they can focus on learning.

“This clothing will go a long way in allowing us to continue assisting the growing number of students we serve every day,” said Locker # 505 Executive Director Kim Kerschen. “Locker # 505 is so excited about the record-breaking donations collected from Recyclothes!”

If you missed the event and would still like to donate to Locker # 505, visit locker505.org for their current lists of needs and locations accepting donations.