Civic Engagement 

Share Our Spare is a non-profit organization located in Chicago, Illinois. This organization makes sure that Chicago area children, ages 0-5, have the essential items they need to support their health and development and equip them for a strong start. They contribute to creating a resilient and equitable community so that "children can thrive and families can shift from crisis management to caregiving with dignity".  Share Our Spare accepts donations of children's books, toys, caregiving products, and clothing in order to create a free retail shopping experience for struggling parents at their warehouse. Alternatively,  they create "gift bags" for kids to receive at local shelters or foster agencies in the city. 

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As a fashion merchandising student I know the importance of the clothing and textile industry being incredibly unsustainable. I admired Share Our Spare and their mission to help those in need while also trying to do their part in participating in circular fashion and repurposing children's clothing for those in poverty. 

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My volunteer responsibilities included: 

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• Documenting inventory and helping stock warehouse shelves with donated toys and diapers.

• Sorting through bags of donated baby/kids clothes to be placed in their proper category for gift bags to be created.

• Finding donated items that could be used as recycled textiles.

• Selecting good condition donated winter gear to be included in the essentials gift bags for children.