Recyclothes Helps Residents Swap Clutter for a Cause
ALBUQUERQUE – Volunteers, residents, and organizers with Locker #505 teamed up with Keep Albuquerque Beautiful and the Solid Waste Management Department today to host the 14th annual Recyclothes event. The event, hosted at the Hinkle Family Fun Center, saw 175 residents stop by to donate for Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) students in need.
The annual event invited the community to give back in a meaningful way: by donating gently used clothing and essential items for local underserved K-12 students. Every year, thousands of Albuquerque kids go to school without these basics. By teaming up with Locker #505, Solid Waste and local residents are giving those students the clothes, shoes, and hygiene products they need to show up with confidence and dignity.
“When students feel confident, they can focus on what really matters — learning,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We’re not only giving them essential tools to succeed, we’re also making our community cleaner and more sustainable in the process.”
Collected items will be distributed through Locker #505 Student Clothing Bank, which works directly with schools to provide clothing in a dignified, supportive environment tailored to each student’s needs.
“This is our largest donation drive and we truly depend on it to be able to serve the close to 5,000 students we serve each year throughout the Greater Albuquerque Metro Area,” said Locker #505 Director Kimberly Kerschen.
According to the EPA, Americans throw out more than 10 million tons of clothing each year, accounting for about 8% of all waste. However, even damaged clothing can be recycled, and all unusable clothing collected today will be either repurposed, recycled, or reused thanks to Locker #505.
“We’re giving families a meaningful way to further our community’s sustainability initiatives,” said Solid Waste Management Director Billy Gallegos. “By giving their gently used items new life with Locker #505, residents are making a real positive impact on the future of our City for the students who receive these clothes and the waste it reduces.”
For those who couldn’t make it to today’s drop-off event, Locker #505 accepts donations at their Menaul office during weekdays. Learn more about their current needs at locker505.org.