Renton Clothes Bank, Kiwanis Celebrate New Partnership

The Renton Clothes Bank recently had a rededication and naming ceremony –changing its name to the Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank. The has pledged $6,500 to support the Clothes Bank operations as well as provide volunteer assistance to help the Renton nonprofit expand its hours into the weekend.  The new operating hours will be announced in the near future.

Kiwanis Club member Jon Pozega, who also serves on The Clothes Bank board of directors is excited for the new alliance.

“This partnership brings together two great small organizations to create one great larger organization,” he said.

At the naming ceremony, Kiwanis Club president, Jim Owens presented Clothes Bank board president, Del Mead, with a check for $3,000, the first installment of the pledge.

Mayor Denis Law, Kiwanis Club members, Clothes Bank board members, and city staff attended the rededication ceremony. Law praised the ongoing support that the clothes bank has provided to the community since 1965, before he, Owens, and Mead unveiled the bank's new logo on the front of the building.

Last year the Clothes Bank provided nearly 6,800 people with clothing, said Mead, adding that 70 percent of their clients are children.

The Kiwanis Club donation is a welcome gift, Mead said. The bank was in danger of closing last year when some city funds were cut during the annual grant process.  The City of Renton later restored half of the requested funding.

Mead said the bank will use the money, in part, to add additional hours of operation on the weekend and possibly more hours during the week. Much-needed items like shelving and storage space will be able to be purchased with the Kiwanis' donation. The Clothes Bank operates on a modest budget with part-time help. They operate with an 11-member board of directors.

Donate to the Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank:

• Clean clothing in good condition may be dropped off at the Store, 1025 South 3rd Street, Monday through Thursday from 2-5 p.m.
• Cash or check donations are used to purchase new shoes, socks, underwear and other basic items. Sent donations to: 

Renton Kiwanis Clothes Bank, Inc.

P.O. Box 55

Renton, WA 98057

• Seize one (or more) of the many volunteers opportunities. Assist with clothes sorting, bagging, pick-up and transportation; volunteer in the store; or help with sorting parties and clothes drives.