We’ve been getting requests from people looking for places where they can donate unwanted clothing. The City has an online database for disposal, recycling and donation options in the area, including clothing donations. We have compiled clothing donation options in the West Philadelphia area in the list below (if you know of more options, please let our readers know in the comments below).

If you have some unwanted professional clothes that you want to donate, check out Career Wardrobe, an organization that helps people looking for jobs look more presentable during interviews. They accept donations of clothing, footwear, accessories, and toiletries at their drop-off locations in Spring Garden and in Lansdowne, Pa. Click here for more info.  Continue Reading

Philadelphia is getting ready to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20 with a bunch of events, activities and volunteer projects. Some began earlier this week and will be held throughout this and next month, like the MLK Jr. Sermon Discussion Group at Mosaic Community Church (123 S. 51st St).

Check out some events and volunteer opportunities in West and Southwest Philly below. Also visit the MLK Day of Service and the University City District websites for more events and volunteer projects in the area.

MLK Day Events at UPenn

• A Community Beautification Project will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will work on service projects at the following sites: Mitchell Weir Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, Antioch Home School Center, and Laura Sims Skate House. Light refreshments will be provided. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the main lobby of Houston Hall (3417 Spruce St) for transportation to locations.  Continue Reading

The 18th Police District wants to help those who need warm clothes. Officers will be giving away winter clothing at their headquarters at 5510 Pine St. on Friday, Jan. 10 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

They are accepting donations of winter jackets or any outerwear for both adults and children, socks, hats and blankets at their location. Check out this message to the community from officer Harris from the 18th District:  Continue Reading

Community members are invited to a Big Winter Book Sale at Walnut Street West Library, happening this weekend. Come to the library, located on the Southeast corner of 40th and Walnut Streets, on Friday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and shop for pre-owned quality books, culled from the best donations to the Friends of Walnut St. West Library this year.

Books are priced from $0.50 to $5, but most are $1 and $2, featuring fiction and nonfiction, lots of history and classics, coffee-table and art books, cookbooks, children’s books, how-to and much more.  Continue Reading

Today is #GivingTuesday, and many local not for profit organizations are asking the community to support them or their causes. We’ll be sharing their messages throughout the day in this post (see below) and on Twitter. You can also check our Civic Life page for more non-profits in the area, including local shelters, community and neighborhood associations, educational and cultural organizations, animal rescues, local parks and gardens, and many more.  Continue Reading

The annual Cedar Park Holiday Basket Drive is here! The Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) community association is partnering again with local nonprofits and places of worship to provide food baskets to neighbors in need during the holiday season.

Last year, CPN was able to reach over 200 local families (nearly 800 people total!) – a great testament to the goodness and willingness to help by the community. A suggested donation this year is again in the amount of $36. Support at this level will provide baskets to two families.  Continue Reading