Charles River Apparel Donates $28K in Apparel to Circle of Hope

Charles River Apparel recently donated over $28,000 worth of apparel to long-time charity partner Circle of Hope, a nonprofit providing clothing and essentials to communities experiencing homelessness in the Boston, Massachusetts area.

The donated items will be distributed to local shelters and affiliated programs so that families and individuals can have access to warm, season-appropriate clothing this winter.

“For more than a decade, Charles River Apparel has helped Circle of Hope protect the health and dignity of our most vulnerable neighbors,” says Barbara Waterhouse, executive director of Circle of Hope. “Their donations of new clothing and outerwear have changed the lives of thousands of people, from college students experiencing homelessness to older adults in shelter.”

Since 2010, Charles River Apparel has partnered with Circle of Hope in many forms, from being a several-time sponsor of the organization’s spring fundraiser, HOPE Blooms, to hosting an employee volunteer event. Each year, the company makes an in-kind donation (sometimes multiple) to support Circle of Hope’s mission.

“We know that clothing is about so much more than just something to wear — it has a direct impact on mental and physical well-being, whether it’s feeling confident or staying warm through winter,” says Deb Lipsett, co-owner of Charles River Apparel. “Circle of Hope recognizes the struggle of clothing insecurity and approaches the problem with a level of compassion and care that we admire and that we are proud to be a part of.”

According to the company, this most recent donation consisted of 25 boxes that included 875 pieces of apparel. The clothing was distributed throughout the Boston area to programs like Boston Health Care for the Homeless, Framingham State University, Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, and several overnight shelters.

“I am so proud of our partnership with Charles River Apparel and grateful for their support,” says Jody Barnet, operations manager at Circle of Hope. “Together, Charles River Apparel and Circle of Hope are helping so many people stay healthy, warm, and safe all year long.”