Get Involved with SC4K
Host a Drive
Empower teachers to teach and learners to learn. Whether you host a collection drive or a start a virtual fundraising campaign, you can make a difference for under-resourced teachers and students.
Socks, winter accessories (hats, mittens, & gloves), school supplies, and personal hygiene items are some of the most needed items for children living in poverty in Cleveland and beyond. You can help ensure that these essential items are something a child always has by holding a collection drive or virtual fundraiser for Shoes and Clothes for Kids.
How it Works
Staff will work with you to identify the best time frame for your drive, help you determine how you will promote the drive, and coordinate pick-up of collection boxes to display at your collection site if needed. For more information, email collectiondrives@sc4k.org.
SC4K's 4 Most-Needed Items
Warm Feet, Warm Hearts: Collect Socks
Socks are one of the most need items requested by families living in poverty. Not only do kids outgrow socks quickly, but socks are frequently lost before they make it back from the laundry room.
Warm, dry socks protect feet from blisters, extend the life of shoes, and help a child focus on learning. There’s nothing more distracting or frustrating than having a hole in your sock!
Our annual Socks in the City Drive focuses raising funds to purchase new socks for kids in need during November & December, but you can host a sock drive anytime!
WHAT WE NEED:
We accept new individual pairs or packages of athletic or dress socks in all sizes - newborn through adult!
Fill Backpacks, Fuel Futures: Collect School Supplies
Thousands of children in Greater Cleveland lack the essential supplies they need to attend school ready and excited to learn. And schools can't provide everything their teachers need. Instead, many teachers provide these items themselves with personal money.
Having the appropriate supplies empower students to recognize that they have a choice and power over their learning. For teachers facing rooms full of students living in poverty, supplies level the playing field so all students are prepared to learn.
Our annual Back to School Campaign raises funds to purchase new school supplies between July and August, but you can host a sock drive anytime!
WHAT WE NEED:
The most-needed school supplies items include: Art supplies (construction paper, paint & paint brushes, clay, etc.), dry erase markers & erasers, highlighters, index cards, Scissors (7" & 8"), and wide-ruled notebooks (composition and spiral).
Share Winter Warmth: Collect Hats & Gloves
Many students in Greater Cleveland walk to school or take the bus, and therefore need winter hats and mittens/gloves to keep warm during their commute. And winter in Cleveland can last quite long!
Older students who take the bus may spend time waiting outside at a bus stop. Whether it’s just cold outsite, or it’s snowing, new winter accessories items fill a basic need and ensure students can get to school safely and warmly.
WHAT WE NEED:
We accept new knitted or store-bought hats, earbands/muffs, mittens, gloves, and scarves in all sizes - newborn through adult.
Confidence Starts with Clean: Collect Personal Hygiene Items
Many children living in poverty go without items that others use daily. Personal hygiene products help get kids clean and healthy, so they can walk into the classroom with their heads held high.
When children have access to basic necessities like soap, toothbrushes, and clean clothes, they're not only protecting their physical health but also building the confidence they need to fully engage in learning and social activities.
WHAT WE NEED:
Full or travel size shampoo & conditioner, body wash, soap, deoderant, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine care products are needed the most.
Absolutely no razors or blades!
REMINDER: All donated products must be brand new with the tags on or in the original packaging. We do not accept gently-used items.
Start a Virtual Fundraiser
SC4K makes it easy to set up an online fundraiser either personally or for your group. After a few clicks, you’ll have a URL to share on your social platforms, and we can even provide graphics to engage your audiences. Every donation received in your online fundraiser will be counted towards your goal! And every donor who gives will receive a personalized thank you.
Think about this option for your upcoming milestone birthday, holiday wish list, or family gathering!
Helpful Resources for Your Drive
Download these helpful drive resources to plan and promote your drive!
Volunteers Make Our Work Possible:
