Clothes To Kids of Fairfield County is 100% volunteer-operated. Volunteers are a critical component to providing a quality service to children in our community. We need your time, enthusiasm, and dedication.
There are many ways you can help support the mission of Clothes To Kids. Plus, it’s easy and incredibly rewarding to get involved. We’ll find a way to volunteer that’s just right for you! Fill out a volunteer application and get started today, or contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
Who can volunteer?
- Adult volunteers are always needed for any of the jobs listed above, especially during times when the store is open to serve shoppers. To maintain client privacy, volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and high school graduates to help shoppers in the front of the store.
- Youth volunteers are invited to process clothing donations at the store. Youth volunteers who are under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Any student under the age of 18 can become a Student Ambassador.
- Groups from businesses, clubs, places of worship and community organizations are invited to serve at CTKF for one-time opportunities, or on an on-going basis.
Sorry, but we do not accept volunteers in need of court-ordered community service hours.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, for both adults and youth, that support the mission of Clothes To Kids. Take a look at the list below to see what fits with your interests and availability. We’ll find a way to volunteer that’s just right for you!
When you’re ready to get started, fill out our volunteer sign-up form or contact our Volunteer Coordinator for more information.
In the Store
Back Room: Sort, tag, hang and stock the store floor. These ongoing jobs are great for youth and adults and help ensure that we can meet the clothing needs of students visiting the store and make our shop a welcoming place for families!
Personal Shopper: Work directly with kids and their families to help them select clothing during their visit and make the shopping experience pleasant and enjoyable.
**We are always looking for people who speak Spanish to return phone calls, work with Spanish-speaking clients and make bi-lingual signage/materials.
Outside the Store
Clothing Donation Pick-up: Volunteers are needed for ongoing and one-time donation pick-ups. Anyone who signs up for this position will get an email whenever we need a donation pick-up. All you have to do is respond if you can help, so the time commitment is very flexible.
Garage Sale Donation Finder: Garage Sale donation finders identify sales that have items appropriate for the clients of CTKF, tell the person holding the sale about the mission of our organization, and then return at the end of the sale to pick out items for the store. One or two garage sales can fill up a car!
Thrift Store Deal Finder: Volunteers are needed to shop for new underwear and socks as well as clothing sizes that are missing from our inventory. This is one of our most fun volunteer tasks and training is available for anyone who is interested.
Wash and/or Repair: Spending a little time cleaning and/or repairing donations can save clothes headed for the discard pile. This is an on-going need, and really helps!
Operations
Board of Directors: We are always looking for new candidates to join the Board.
Marketing/Public Relations/Fundraising/Grant Writing: Help the Board of Directors get the word out about CTKF by assisting with letter writing, brochure design, newsletter contributions and other special projects. Interested volunteers can work on one or several projects each year, so this is a very flexible commitment.
Special Events: Help plan fundraising events or attend networking events on behalf of CTKF. Special Events volunteers serve as an important link between CTKF and the community.
Special Programs
Apparel Partner Program: Apparel Partner representatives serve as the liaison between CTKF and the retail community, and work with the Director to identify and approach companies who may be willing to partner with our organization. Once retailers are regular donors, Apparel Partner representatives may also be responsible for making reminder calls to businesses and arranging donation pick-ups.
Student Ambassador Program Coordinator: CTKF needs adult volunteers who are interested in helping high school age students who choose to become Student Ambassadors. This is a flexible position, and it is perfect for people who can give a little each week.
Student Ambassador (kids only!): Student Ambassadors help both their own school and schools in their area plan and carry out clothing drives on behalf of CTKF. This is ideally suited for older students looking for a challenging, on-going volunteer project. Responsibilities of this position may include: 1) contacting elementary, middle and high school student council representatives and/or teachers who may have an interest in conducting a clothing drive, 2) helping students create promotional materials and plan for a drive, 3) supporting students as they carry out drives and 4) coordinating delivery of clothing drive donations, and 5) recognizing the efforts of the student groups who complete a drive.