What you need for a clothing drive

A clothing drive needs more than collection bins and spare tables. You will need a clear way to register donors, sort clothes, move full containers, and keep donated items clean and dry. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for the collection point, sorting area, clothing racks, refreshments, and handover. Check quantities against your venue size, expected attendance, and the number of volunteers working each shift.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 24
Clothes racksqty 6
Clothes hangersqty 300
Collection binsqty 12
Plastic cratesqty 20
Transport cartsqty 2
Protective tarpsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable mugsqty 30
Reusable glassesqty 30
Reusable platesqty 30
Reusable cutleryqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving traysqty 4

Organization

Instruction signsqty 12
Color labelsqty 500
Registration formsqty 200
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 24
Waterproof markersqty 12
Measuring tapeqty 2
Duct tapeqty 6
Barrier tapeqty 4
Textile bagsqty 80
Hand tally countersqty 4

Equipment

Digital scalesqty 2
Hand trucksqty 2

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Still water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Stir sticks - 200 pieces
- Teaspoons - 100 pieces
- Sandwiches - 6 loaves
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Whole grain cookies - 6 packs
- Salted crackers - 6 packs
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Dish soap - 2 bottles

Tips

Prepare at least one collection bin for every main donation stream, and keep two or three empty bins available so volunteers can replace full containers without stopping the intake.
Plan one clothes rack and enough hangers for each display or sorting section that will hold hanging garments. Add waterproof markers and color labels so categories remain clear throughout the day.
Bring protective tarps before setting up the sorting area, especially if clothing may be placed on the floor or transported in an open vehicle. Duct tape and barrier tape also help keep walkways separate from donations.
Use one clipboard and several ballpoint pens at the registration point, with printed registration forms ready before doors open. Keep extra forms available rather than sending volunteers to search for a printer during the drive.
Arrange transport supplies before collection begins: textile bags, plastic crates, transport carts, and a digital scale should be ready near the handover area. Weighing and counting donations is much easier before everything is packed away.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a clothing drive?: At minimum, prepare collection bins, sorting labels, instruction signs, tables, clothing racks, hangers, protective tarps, and transport containers. For registration, allow one clipboard and several pens per registration desk, plus printed forms and waterproof markers.
How many collection bins do I need for a clothing drive?: Use at least one bin for each main donation category or collection point, then add two or three spare bins for busy periods. A practical starting point is one bin per 20 to 30 expected donors, adjusted for the size of the clothing items.
How many hangers should I buy for a clothing drive?: Allow about 10 to 15 hangers per clothing rack, depending on how densely garments will be displayed. Keep an additional 10% spare so volunteers can replace broken or missing hangers during sorting.
When should I buy supplies for a clothing drive?: Buy or collect non-perishable supplies at least 7 days before the event, including labels, tape, signs, forms, and markers. Confirm bins, racks, tables, and transport equipment 3 to 5 days before collection day so shortages can still be fixed.

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