It May Just Be Old Clothing To You…
November 11, 2008

Gina Althouse (left) accepting clothing donations from Andrea Boettger at D&B’s clothing drive in 2007.

Via Clothing Drive Collection Bin at Just Born in 2007.

BETHLEHEM, PA – Companies are helping Via of the Lehigh Valley raise money for programs for children with disabilities in a unique way this fall.  D&B and other Lehigh Valley companies are hosting clothing drives to benefit Via’s Children’s Services.

Via and local companies are collecting employees’ unwanted clothing for resale in Via Thrift Stores.  Clothing can be in any condition, new, worn or poor.  Items that cannot be sold in Via Thrift Stores because of tears, stains or missing buttons are sold on the international clothing market.  Proceeds from the sale of donated items benefit Via’s programs for children, helping provide a bright and healthy start in life for children with disabilities.

“Everyone has old or unused clothing in their homes that they need to get rid of,” said Gina Althouse, spokesperson for D&B’s Center Valley volunteer community outreach group.

“Having Via coordinate a drive like it is, done right on D&B’s site, make it an opportunity too good to pass up.  Add that to the most important component - the wonderful programs and services that the drive supports - makes it a win/win situation for everyone involved.”

Via Thrift Stores are located throughout the Lehigh Valley: Fountain Hill, the Westgate Mall in Bethlehem, and two new locations in Nazareth and the Parkway Shopping Center in Allentown.  Because of current economic conditions, thrift store shopping is on the rise.  “In September, we had 11% more customers in our stores than last year,” said Anthony Fili, interim Via chief executive officer.

“Sales for October are up 57%.  People are looking to stretch their spending dollars and want value when they shop.  Via Thrift Stores are value centers in every sense, offering great value to customers while supporting a great cause.”
Companies across the Lehigh Valley are kicking off their Via Clothing Drives over the next few weeks:

 “Big or small, every company and organization can make a difference,” said Fili.

“While it may just be old clothing to you, it’s much more to a child with a disability and their family.  It’s vital services, like speech and physical therapy, that can make all the difference in a family’s life.”

Recognizing developmental issues and treating them early is vital in the growth of children.  Via’s Early Intervention program works with infants and toddlers to identify and treat delays and include caregivers in the process so therapy can continue at home and be incorporated in the family’s daily routines.  Early identification and age-appropriate therapies are critical to the well being of children with disabilities.

To host a Via Clothing Drive, email Via@ViaNet.org or call 484-893-5389.  For individuals interested in donating items, donations can be dropped at any of our Via Thrift Store locations or collection bins located throughout the Lehigh Valley.  Call 610-866-6776 to schedule a pickup for larger items.

Collection bins located throughout the Lehigh Valley:

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.  Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.  And Via helps people connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.  Visit ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390