Volunteers of America seeks groups
for community-wide clothing drive

Volunteers of America is seeking groups to participate in a community-wide clothing drive on March 4 through 10, as a part of the 111th anniversary celebration of the agency's founding. The agency is hoping to engage at least 111 organizations locally to hold clothing donation drives to benefit VOA. Churches, schools, colleges, clubs, businesses and other civic groups are invited to participate.

Donated clothing helps support VOA's programs in the greater Rochester area. A majority of the clothing is sold in Volunteers of America's stores. The revenue generated through the sale of items helps fund the agency's programs including housing for the homeless, care and educational programs for at-risk children, drug and alcohol recovery services, homelessness prevention services and an emergency food pantry. A portion of donated clothing is set aside to be given to people in need.

Organizations that would like to participate can contact Melinda Doyle, VOA community relations manager, at 402-7218. Residents are also invited to support Volunteers of America by donating clothing and other gently used household items (including furniture, cookware, books, toys and appliances) to VOA. Individuals can drop off items at any of VOA's 10 stores or at its Donation Express on Monroe Avenue in Brighton, or schedule a free truck pick-up at their home by calling 647-1150 or going to www.voawny.org.

February 4, 2007