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Two in five children nationwide face clothing insecurity, or a lack of properly fitting clothing in good condition and seasonally appropriate. A Triangle-based nonprofit is aiming to change that through the creation of National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day.
Note in the Pocket is bringing attention to this often-overlooked issue through a new national day of observance on Sept. 15.
“National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day shines a spotlight on the millions of American children and families who lack access to adequate, appropriate clothing,” according to a press release. “While food and housing insecurity are widely recognized, clothing insecurity remains largely invisible — despite being a basic human need. Without proper clothing, individuals face barriers to education, employment, and even their own sense of dignity.”
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The nonprofit is calling on individuals to observe the day through the following activities:
- Donate gently used clothing and shoes to local organizations.
- Host clothing drives or panel discussions in your community.
- Donate to clothing distribution centers.
- Volunteer at a clothing distribution center.
- Help spread the word.
Note in the Pocket began in 2005, when Susan Reiland and her daughter Margaret, a kindergarten teacher at a school serving low-income students, began providing coats to her students. That act of kindness grew into a nonprofit that has provided clothing to more than 64,000 homeless and impoverished families since 2013, according to the nonprofit’s website.
Its name derives from a simple practice by the organization: As clothing is distributed, the items come with a note that says, “You are loved.”
“Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day is not just about recognition — it’s a call to action,” the press release said. “By drawing national attention to this hidden crisis, Note in the Pocket aims to inspire communities across the country to ensure that every individual has access to the clothing they need to live with dignity.”
Last fall, Note in the Pocket released a comprehensive guide for setting up a clothing distribution program. The nonprofit hoped the guide would be instructional in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, according to an email from Dallas Bonavita, Note in the Pocket’s executive director.
“As our state rebuilds from Hurricane Helene, clothing needs will continue to grow,” Bonavita said. “Clothing insecurity can be particularly tricky to address because it requires complex storage and distribution logistics. We hope our guide inspires those to address this gap, providing practical tools and strategies to ensure no one is left without essential clothing.”
The nonprofit has previously highlighted the impact of clothing insecurity on educational outcomes.
“Having properly fitting shoes and clothing helps (students) in their educational journey and helps them have an opportunity to dream big,” Sarah Caldwell, director of development, says in a video on the nonprofit’s website.
Note in the Pocket has clothing drop-off locations in Raleigh and Durham. The nonprofit also has a list of drop-off sites across the Triangle available on its website.
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