Newtown Historical Society, in collaboration with Helpsy/Big Brothers and Sisters, will host a clothing drive April 17-28.

The collection will be done at the Helpsy drop-off center at 127 South Main Street (Route 25). Items can be dropped off daily between 9 am and 5 pm.

Newtown Historical Society Fundraising Chair Jennifer Harris says the drive “is a perfect way to help others in need, do something positive for the environment, and make a valuable contribution to the Historical Society for general maintenance and operating costs at the same time.”

Donors need to label their clothing bags “Newtown Historical Society” for the society to receive credit for the donations.

A clothing collection company and a certified B corporation with an environmental goal to extend the useful life of clothing, Helpsy partners with municipalities and organizations across ten states to collect unwanted clothing while giving back to the communities they serve.

In 2022, Helpsy paid over $500,000 to charities, saved municipalities over $1.5 million in disposal fees, and donated over 28,000 coats to those in need through the collection of more than 30 million pounds of clothing.

Dan Green, co-founder and CEO of Helpsy, says the organization’s mission is to keep clothes out of the trash.

“We are dedicated to changing the way people think about clothing recycling while adhering to the highest level of social and environmental performance,” he noted.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, textile waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States, occupying nearly five percent of all landfill space, which is why Helpsy is committed to working with organizations, such as Newtown Historical Society, in order to give clothing the longest life possible.

With the goal of reusing, reselling, and repurposing the clothing, Helpsy accepts clean, dry, and bagged clothing and fashion accessories.

Newtown Historical Society relies on generous contributions for the building’s maintenance, restoration, and operation costs while providing a host of programming for residents of all ages. For more information, call 203-426-5937 or visit newtownhistory.org.