It’s Official—A WIN for Rhode Island! 🚨
Governor McKee has signed the Textile Recycling Bill (SB 324) into law! This important legislation passed thanks to BBBSRI leadership and the support of Senator Dimario, the DEM, RI Resource Recovery, and other community partners. It’s a major step forward in reducing landfill waste and strengthening local recycling efforts.
What’s Next:
- Clear textile recycling guidelines by June 1, 2026
- Annual reporting for textile collectors begins in 2028
- DEM sets recycling benchmarks & enforcement starts in 2029
We’re proud that BBBSRI played a leading role in advancing this initiative, which not only protects the environment but strengthens our ability to support Rhode Island youth and families through responsible textile recycling.
As one of the few nonprofit textile recyclers in the state, we’re proud that our Donation Center keeps 100% of donated textiles local—funding over 70% of our youth mentoring programs, supporting more than 250 youth through one-to-one mentorship, and providing over 2,500 Rhode Islanders with family support services, emergency assistance, career exploration, enrichment activities, and more. We also recycle responsibly and help fund over 139 other RI nonprofits through our community donation bins and clothing drives.
🌎 When you donate to BBBSRI, you’re not just recycling—you’re giving back to Rhode Island.
Cloth Donations: Your Gift, Rhode Island's Change! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island Leads the Way.
In a bustling world, it's easy to overlook the power of a simple act like donating clothing. Yet, for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI), these donations are the lifeline of their impactful programs. The Donation Center Foundation of Rhode Island (DCRI), a subsidiary of BBBSRI, orchestrates a seamless process that not only supports the organization's mentoring initiatives but also contributes significantly to the community and the environment.
Breaking Misconceptions.
One of the most frequently asked questions about BBBSRI's Donation Center revolves around the fate of donated items. Contrary to popular belief, both questions—"Do they sell the donations they receive?" and "I thought donations support youth in their programs"—receive a resounding YES. However, the significance of this initiative extends far beyond what meets the eye.
The logistics of handling thousands of pounds of clothing weekly are daunting, to say the least. For a non-profit organization focused on mentoring relationships, such manual sorting would divert resources from crucial mentorship and support services such as case management, workforce development, emergency funding, enrichment activities, and more. Thus, funds raised through cloth collections enable BBBSRI to achieve more for the 900+ individuals served in their program and the local community.
Where Do the Donations Go?
Partnering with a local thrift store chain, BBBSRI earns per pound for donations received. These proceeds cover 70% of the funds needed for BBBSRI’s Youth Mentoring Programs. The impact is tangible: in 2024, 100% of Mentees advanced to the next grade, 93% of parents noted improved mental health in their children, and 86% observed enhanced self-confidence.
Textile donations not suitable for reuse or resale find new life through recycling, diverting millions of pounds of textile waste from landfills. In 2024 alone, BBBSRI diverted over 4 million lbs. of textile waste, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
BBBSRI collaborates with other nonprofits through clothing drives and donation bin placements, sharing profits to support various community initiatives such as domestic violence programs, missionary work, meal programs, recycling education, and financial assistance. In 2024, over $145,000 was raised for 140 organizations throughout the state.
BBBSRI makes donating hassle-free through three convenient ways:
1. Curbside Pick-Up: Schedule a FREE pick-up, and a driver will clear your clutter.
2. Drop-Off Centers: Visit any of the 4 Donation Drop-Off Centers open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
3. Green Bins: Drop off donations 24/7 at the 100+ green bins throughout Rhode Island!
How Can You Help?
BBBSRI stresses the importance of community support, especially with a 45% decline in cloth donations in recent years. This decrease is attributed to various factors, including the pandemic aftermath, changes in consumer behavior, and the rise of for-profit textile companies. They urge the community to ensure their donations go to nonprofits directly benefiting Rhode Island and invite contributions to sustain their impactful work.
Join the Cause.
In conclusion, the impact of cloth donations transcends mere transactions. It's about fostering brighter futures for Rhode Island's youth, supporting local initiatives, and building a more sustainable community. As BBBSRI COO Kaleigh Perkins affirms, "Your donations make a real difference. Together, we can create lasting change for the better."
We're not just a Donation Center - We're a Community Solution!
Our Brand Recognition at Work:
- We visit every city and town!
- 35,000+ households visited annually!
- 750 individual home pick-ups weekly!
- Our trucks run 5 days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.!
- Our trucks drive a combined 168,380 miles per year!
- 17 Towns and Cities have partnerships with our agency through our Bin programs!
- 100+ Donation Bin placements with non-profits, businesses, schools, towns, and cities!
Making a Big Impact on Environmental Sustainability:
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions!
- Creates green jobs; helps support local non-profits!
- Reduces municipal collection and disposal costs!
- Saves water! Over 700 gallons of water are used to produce 1 t-shirt!