Information from the West Seattle Food Bank and Clothesline

For many families in our community, The Clothesline is more than a free clothing bank—it’s a lifeline. Parents working hard to make ends meet rely on The Clothesline to outfit their children for school, but finding the right sizes, styles, and seasonal essentials for growing kids often takes more than one visit. That’s why families start shopping weeks in advance—so they can make multiple trips and piece together everything from jeans and jackets to sneakers and backpacks for each child in their household. Clothing that fits and feels good helps kids show up ready to learn, participate, and flourish.

But it's already late July, and the shelves are running low.

We urgently need your help. With back-to-school just weeks away, we’re asking the community to donate new or gently used children’s and teen clothing—especially sizes for older kids, sturdy shoes, and warm layers. Every donation helps ensure that all students can walk into the new school year with confidence, comfort, and dignity. Let’s rally together now to support our neighbors and help every child start the year off strong.

The Clothesline, West Seattle Food Bank’s free clothing bank, distributed more than 100,000 pieces of clothing last year alone—everything from baby’s first onesies to warm winter coats, interview outfits, and rain gear. Every item is given freely, with dignity, through a welcoming shop-like setting where families can select the sizes and styles that suit their needs.

Donations can be made Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am – 1pm at The Clothesline – located at 4425 41st Ave SW, (at Genesee and 41st) in the old West Seattle Christian School building. Most needed items are child-to-teen clothing, and men’s wear (jeans, shirts, jackets, etc.)