Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island is seeking to protect the environment while forging fruitful partnerships with the state’s municipalities and nonprofits to help those in need.
The nonprofit collects over 4 million pounds of used clothing and textiles annually in bins across the state, keeping it out of the state’s Central Landfill. Since the pandemic began, BBBSRI added 15 bin partners and has reached collection agreements with five municipalities: Richmond, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Cranston.
The donation center, which opened in 1997, operates a profit-sharing policy with 35 entities in the state, comprised of municipalities and nonprofit organizations. BBBSRI has directed 30% of the revenue derived from collection bins to its partners. In 2019, that share amounted to more than $100,000.
“We pride ourselves in keeping millions of pounds of goods from being sent to the landfill each year,” said Executive Director Katje Afonseca. “In addition to the positive effects on the environment, we make good, usable clothing and items available to the community at affordable prices through our partnership with Savers [Inc.] thrift stores. It’s important that we keep useable items out of the landfill in order to use those items to support our mentoring programs and several other charities in Rhode Island, as well as positively impact the environment.”
“The model of partnership between Savers and a nonprofit organization was not new,” she said. “Its purpose was to provide a steady stream of revenue for the nonprofit organization. Since then, it has grown steadily, and the current infrastructure is well-positioned for continued growth.
“We stand out because we are the only nonprofit in the state that collects in Rhode Island, partners with other organizations in Rhode Island, and serves children and [youths] in Rhode Island. When textiles are kept out of the landfill, towns and cities save money on their tipping fees, so it is a win-win. Our partnerships thrive because of open communication, high-quality service and a shared interest in positive environmental, economic and social outcomes.
“We have a fleet of box trucks and offer free curbside pickup for residents and organizations across the state,” said Afonseca. “We offer profit-sharing to our nonprofit partners for every pound of clothing collected from bins they host on their property. Organizations who are looking to raise money can ask their supporters to clean out their closets. They can contact us, and we will pay them for every pound of clothing collected. For-profit businesses can easily get rid of their surplus items by scheduling a pickup but are not eligible for profit-sharing.”
BBBSRI collects donated clothing items in four ways: free home or business pickups, donation drop-off centers, community collection drives and clothing donation bins. The organization is seeking businesses, stores and hotels that have surplus fabric and clothing. The nonprofit can be contacted via its website, www.BigsRI.org, or at (401) 921-2434.