The Clothes Closet is the VUMC program that assists with clothing needs for adult patients and adult family members of patients. It is operated by Guest Services, with VUMC’s Social Work department contributing with donations and upkeep.
One of the most acute needs in colder months is for coats and jackets.
The reasons for people needing the services of the Clothes Closet varies; sometimes patients are homeless; sometimes patients are transported to Vanderbilt after a trauma and have no clothing of their own to wear after discharge; sometimes a family member rushes to the hospital from far away without going home to pack and ends up staying several days.
Kim Dunham, manager in Guest Services, noted that the Clothes Closet is always in need of donations and prefers tangible donations of clothing and shoes. The clothing (except for underwear) may be used, but should be clean and not in need of repair.
Durham said the most acute needs now are for clothing for men in smaller sizes; clothing for women in plus sizes, and new underwear of all sizes for both men and women.
Here is the general list of the most commonly needed items:
- Coats and jackets for men and women
- Men’s sweatpants or athletic pants/shorts
- Men’s shoes and flip flops (no dress shoes)
- Men’s T-shirts (long or short sleeve)
- Men’s button-down shirts (for patients with arm/shoulder injuries)
- Women’s T-shirts (long or short sleeve)
- Women’s pants and leggings
- Women’s shoes and flip flops (no dress shoes)
- New underpants for men and women
- New bra for women
- New socks for men and women
“We’d like to encourage more casual clothing items, as we don’t have a need for business-casual or dressier pieces,” Durham said.
For more information or to arrange a drop-off of donated clothing or shoes, contact Dunham at kimberly.dunham@vumc.org
