'Buy Nothing Day' Clothing Drive Returns To RI State House

PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island Senate will once again hold a coat drive in honor of "Buy Nothing Day." Senators Dawn Euer and Sandra Cano are leading the effort to collect coats, hats and other warm winter clothing for those in need.

"There is a tremendous amount of need among Rhode Islanders today," Sen. Euer said. "Between more than a year and a half of the pandemic and our housing crisis, there are so many people who are facing challenges and insecurity.

Donations of new or gently used items can be dropped off at the State House Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Nov. 18. Items for all ages and sizes are needed. To drop off the items, drive into the upper parking lot on Smith Street, which is generally closed to the public. A collection site was set up at the legislators' entrance.

The day after Thanksgiving, thousands of donated coats, blankets, hats, gloves and outerwear will be laid out on the State House lawn, free to those in need from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available on the coat exchange's website.

"Buy Nothing Day has become a critical resource in our state, giving people a place where they know they can get their basic needs for warm clothes met every year, no questions asked," Euer continued. "We are very happy to be able to be a part of it, and urge everyone who is fortunate enough to have warm coats, gloves, hats and other items that they no longer want to bring them to the State House so they can keep someone else warm this winter."

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic meant the event could not be held in person. Instead, Euer and Cano worked with housing advocates to distribute donations in the community. In total, more than 2,600 winter clothing items were given to those in need across the state.

"There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season, particularly Thanksgiving, than to share some warmth and help our neighbors meet a very basic human need," Cano said. "Last year we were blown away by not only the outpouring of items that were able to be given to people who really needed them, but by how much people really wanted to help. We are so happy to be a part of this important effort to connect people in need with people who want to give. While the need is high this year, we’ve found that the generosity of Rhode Islanders is also abundant."