The VUMC Clothes Closet is a volunteer collaborative sponsored by Guest Services. It serves patients and families at the hospital that are in need of coats, clothes, new undergarments and shoes. The VUMC Clothes Closet is especially in need of men’s clothes this year, said Peggy Buchanan, the guest service representative who oversees the project.
“We have a surplus of women’s wear; for every pair of men’s pants donated, we receive 14 pairs of women’s slacks,” she said. “And we have few requests for women’s clothing or shoes.”
Garments and shoes are donated to the Clothes Closet by individuals and are provided without charge to people who need them.
Buchanan says that donations are always appreciated, but especially this time of year, and that men’s clothes are especially needed.
Here are the items Buchanan said are most needed now:
- Men’s T-shirts, sizes: L, XL, XXL, 3X and 4X short sleeve and long sleeve (gently used but clean).
- Men’s shorts, warm ups, sweat pants, jeans and khaki pants in all sizes (gently used but clean) especially waist sizes 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34.
- Men’s flip flops, sandals, athletic shoes and dress shoes in all sizes and in good condition (especially size 12 and up)
- Men’s jackets and coats in sizes L, XL, 2X, 3X and 4X and in good condition.
Clothing that needs repair, ironing or washing is not accepted.
Items may be dropped off at the information desks at Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital or Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Those wanting documentation for tax purposes may include a name and address so that a year-end thank-you letter may be sent from Volunteer Services.
Employees wishing to access clothes on behalf of patients may contact Case Management or Guest Services at 615-322-1000.
For more information about the Clothes Closet, contact Buchanan at peggy.buchanan@vumc.org.
An earlier VUMC Voice article with more details about the Clothes Closet is here.
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