Women United Clothing Drive
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
It never ceases to amaze me—when there is a need, our community shows up. Whether it was providing masks for students during the pandemic, delivering food and gift cards to families in crisis, or gathering household essentials and hurricane supplies, you’ve helped us meet the moment with generosity and grace. We are filled with gratitude for your kindness. Because of you, we’ve been able to bless others when they’ve needed it most.
Now, we invite you to show up once more. Our third Women United Clothing Drive is approaching, and your support will help us make this year’s Fashionista Friday our most uplifting event yet. This special day is more than just a clothing giveaway—it’s a celebration of confidence, community, and kindness, where women are given the opportunity to feel seen, supported, and fabulous.
It’s time to clean out your closets for a cause! From May 5-19, we’re collecting new or gently used (and freshly washed) women’s clothing. Interview ready outfits, business casual attire, and everyday items like denim, pants and tops are all welcome. This year is the first year we are accepting handbags and accessories to complete each look. Please note: we do not accept shoes, shorts or athletic wear.
One of our long-time Women United members, Belinda Campbell, owner of Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique, has been involved with this initiative from the very beginning. Now in her third year chairing the drive, Belinda shares the heart behind it, “Fashionista Friday is all about uplifting women through confidence and community. We wanted to create a feel-good day of fashion, fun and friendship. Women United believes everyone deserves to feel fabulous, and this event is a joyful way to bring people together and celebrate style, giving women the chance to feel amazing in what they wear, no price tag attached.”
The collection runs for two weeks, beginning on May 5. After that, our Women United committee will lovingly collect, sort, and organize each donated item. In June, the clothing will be displayed boutique-style at a private, invitation only Fashionista Friday event and offered to women in our community who are served by our nonprofit partner agencies. Each woman will be paired with a “personal shopper” or mentor to help them find pieces that fit not just their style, but their spirit.
Many of the women we serve are moms who have weathered storms –abuse, trauma, financial hardship and have spent years putting others first. Belinda shares “Moms often put their families’ needs first and themselves last. Fashionista Friday gives them a chance to focus on themselves –to feel seen and valued in a welcoming supportive space and take-home beautiful clothing that makes them feel good without worrying about a budget.”
While your donation might seem small, a dress, a pair of pants, a blouse, has the power to make someone feel whole again. The true work of this drive happens when we create a space where women can reclaim their confidence and feel cared for in a tangible, meaningful way.
Drop-Off Locations include Pomegranate & Fig Gift Boutique, YMCA and 5/3 Bank locations throughout Charlotte County. Let’s come together once again—to lift up women in our community with dignity, hope, and heart. For more information please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/ClothingDrive
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.