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.
As the weather turns cooler, the VUMC Clothes Closet is especially in need of men’s coats and jackets in sizes L, XL, 2X, 3X and 4X, and women’s coats and jackets in sizes XL (or 1X), XXL (or 2X), 3X, and 4X, said Peggy Buchanan, the guest service representative who oversees the project.
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.
Here are the items Buchanan said are most needed now:
- Men’s T-shirts in sizes: XL, 2X, 3X and 4X short sleeve and long sleeve (New are appreciated but gently used but clean garments are also accepted)
- Men’s shorts, warm-ups, sweat pants, jeans and khaki pants in all sizes, especially waist sizes 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36 and 38. (New are appreciated but gently used but clean are also accepted)
- Women’s shorts, slacks, warm ups, sweat pants in all sizes (New are appreciated but gently used but clean are also accepted)
- Men’s jackets and coats in sizes L, XL, 2X, 3X and 4X
- Women’s coats in sizes 1X, 2X, 3X and 4X
- Socks for both men and women (New only)
Clothing that needs repair, ironing or washing is not accepted.
Items may be dropped off at the information desks at Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The recently concluded men’s shoe drive saw the donation of more than 200 pairs of shoes, including 47 pairs donated by the Pharmacy department, 38 pairs collected by Taj Wolff of IT, and Ryan Schell, director of Inpatient Pharmacy, who donated 25 pairs of shoes.
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.
