Clothing Donations
Mainspring Community Food & Clothing Pantry
Thoughtful clothing donations help neighbors select clean, comfortable items with dignity. Please donate only clean, good, usable clothing and textile items that are ready to wear or use. Review the current alerts and donation standards before bringing items to Mainspring.
Important Update #1: Please Do Not Leave Donations Outside
Any food, clothing, or other donations left outside the building, delivered outside established donation hours, or left without prior arrangements with a Mainspring staff member will be discarded.
Once donations have been left unattended, we cannot confirm whether they have been exposed to moisture, pests, bodily fluids, drug residue, hazardous substances, or other forms of contamination. For the health and safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff, unattended donations cannot be brought into the facility or distributed to the community.
Please bring donations only during established donation hours unless you have made arrangements directly with a Mainspring staff member.
Important Update #2: A Quick Donation Update from Mainspring
As Mainspring Community Food & Clothing Pantry prepares for our annual inventory, we are taking a close look at what we currently have on hand and where our greatest needs are.
Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters, we are currently experiencing an overabundance of baby and children’s clothing, toys, and other children’s items.
Temporary Donation Pause
Until further notice, Mainspring is temporarily unable to accept:
- Baby or children’s clothing
- Toys, games, or stuffed animals
- Baby equipment or accessories not listed below
- Other baby or children’s items
We Will Continue Accepting
- Strollers
- Diapers and pull-ups
- Baby wipes
- Unopened, unexpired formula
- New or gently used baby bottles
This temporary pause will give our team and volunteers time to sort, organize, inventory, and distribute the items already in our care. It will also help us preserve our limited space for other items our neighbors currently need.
Please Do Not Leave Donations Outside
Any food, clothing, or other donations left outside the building, delivered outside established donation hours, or left without prior arrangements with a Mainspring staff member will be discarded.
Once donations have been left unattended, we cannot confirm whether they have been exposed to moisture, pests, bodily fluids, drug residue, hazardous substances, or other forms of contamination. For the health and safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff, unattended donations cannot be brought into the facility or distributed to the community.
Please bring donations only during established donation hours unless you have made arrangements directly with a Mainspring staff member.
Your Donations Can Still Make a Difference!
During this temporary pause, please consider contacting one of these Portland-area organizations:
- Northwest Children’s Outreach accepts new or like-new children’s and teen clothing, baby supplies, books, complete toys and games, clean stuffed animals, strollers, high chairs, baby swings, and other approved items. Visit nwchildrens.org for donation guidelines and drop-off hours.
- Mother & Child Education Center may accept clean, new or gently used baby and toddler clothing, toys, books, strollers, valid car seats, diapers, formula, and other supplies. Donations are limited and accepted by appointment only. Please call 503-249-5801 or visit momchildpdx.org before donating.
- SnowCap Community Services currently accepts new toys, baby food and formula, diapers, books, blankets, new socks, and other approved essentials. SnowCap does not accept used toys, car seats, strollers, or cribs. Visit snowcap.org for current information.
- Bethlehem Children’s Clothing Closet at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is currently accepting only car seats, strollers, diapers, pull-ups, baby wipes, and children’s winter clothing in sizes 4T through 14. Please call 503-777-1443 or visit smpdx.org before donating.
Because each organization’s needs and available space can change quickly, please call or check its website before dropping off donations.
Mainspring is still accepting other needed donations. Please check the Mainspring website for our most current donation needs before bringing items to the pantry.
Thank you for helping us use our limited space wisely, supporting our community partners, and continuing to stand alongside Mainspring and the neighbors we serve.
We will let the community know as soon as we are ready to accept baby and children’s items again.
Mainspring Community Food & Clothing Pantry
Neighbors helping neighbors.
What We Cannot Accept
- Wet, moldy, mildewed, smoke-damaged, or strongly scented items
- Clothing contaminated by chemicals, bodily fluids, pests, or hazardous residue
- Torn, badly stained, excessively worn, or unusable clothing
- Underwear, socks, or pantyhose that are stained, damaged, heavily worn, or not freshly washed
- Items left outside or unattended
- Baby and children’s items covered by the current temporary pause
💡 Tip to Remember
Please donate only clean, good, usable clothing that is ready to wear.
A helpful way to decide is to ask: “Would I feel comfortable giving this item directly to a neighbor?” If the answer is no, please do not donate it.
Clean, Good, Usable Clothing
All donated clothing and washable textile items must be clean, freshly washed, completely dry, in good condition, and ready to wear or use.
- Do not donate clothing that is stained, damaged, heavily worn, or unusable.
- Do not donate washable items that have not been cleaned.
- Check every pocket and remove personal belongings.
- Fasten matching shoes together.
- Use sturdy bags or manageable boxes.
- Label specialty sizes, professional clothing, winter wear, or undergarments.
When and Where to Donate
Standard donation hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, unless a current notice states otherwise.
Bring donations to the designated receiving area and follow staff directions. Please arrange large deliveries with Mainspring before arriving.
Select any green heading to open its complete guidance.
1. Men’s Clothing
- Clean shirts, T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, and jackets
- Jeans, casual pants, shorts, sweatpants, and work pants
- Suits, dress shirts, ties, and interview clothing
- Sleepwear, robes, and comfortable lounge clothing
- Workwear, thermals, and weather-ready layers
- Inclusive sizes, including big-and-tall clothing
New or gently used underwear and socks are accepted when they are freshly washed, stain-free, undamaged, and in good condition.
2. Women’s Clothing
- Clean tops, blouses, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, and smocks
- Jeans, pants, leggings, shorts, skirts, and dresses
- Professional clothing, suits, blazers, and interview outfits
- Maternity clothing
- Sleepwear, robes, and comfortable lounge clothing
- Bras, sports bras, thermals, and practical layering pieces
- Inclusive sizes, including plus-size and extended-size clothing
New or gently used underwear, socks, and pantyhose are accepted when they are freshly washed, stain-free, undamaged, and in good condition.
3. Children’s Clothing & Items — Temporary Pause
Important: Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters, Mainspring currently has an overabundance of baby and children’s clothing, toys, and other children’s items.
Temporarily Unable to Accept
- Baby or children’s clothing
- Toys, games, or stuffed animals
- Baby equipment or accessories not listed below
- Other baby or children’s items
We Will Continue Accepting
- Strollers
- Diapers and pull-ups
- Baby wipes
- Unopened, unexpired formula
- New or gently used baby bottles
This pause gives our team time to sort, organize, inventory, and distribute the items already in our care while preserving limited space for other items neighbors need.
Your Donations Can Still Make a Difference
- Northwest Children’s Outreach: Visit nwchildrens.org.
- Mother & Child Education Center: Call 503-249-5801 or visit momchildpdx.org.
- SnowCap Community Services: Visit snowcap.org.
- Bethlehem Children’s Clothing Closet at St. Mark’s: Call 503-777-1443 or visit smpdx.org.
Needs can change quickly, so please call or check each organization’s website before dropping off donations.
We will let the community know as soon as we are ready to accept baby and children’s items again.
4. Tops
- T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, tank tops, and casual shirts
- Blouses, button-down shirts, polo shirts, tunics, and smocks
- Sweaters, cardigans, sweatshirts, and hoodies
- Clean undershirts and useful layering tops
- Inclusive sizes and styles for a wide range of bodies and identities
5. Bottoms
- Jeans, slacks, khakis, and casual pants
- Leggings, sweatpants, and comfortable lounge pants
- Shorts, skirts, and weather-appropriate bottoms
- Work pants, durable utility pants, and scrubs
- Inclusive waist sizes, inseams, and fits
6. Belts & Accessories
- Belts with working buckles and no major cracking
- Wallets, ties, and suspenders
- Jewelry
- Gloves, small accessories, and mobility-friendly clothing aids
- New hair accessories and other clean, useful personal items
Please check every pocket or compartment and remove personal information.
7. Purses, Backpacks & Bags
- Purses, handbags, crossbody bags, and tote bags
- Backpacks, messenger bags, and reusable shopping bags
- Briefcases, laptop bags, and professional bags
- Small travel bags in clean, functional condition
Zippers, snaps, handles, straps, and closures should work properly.
8. Scarves, Hats & Cold-Weather Accessories
- Fashion scarves, warm scarves, and clean head coverings
- Winter hats, sun hats, caps, and beanies
- Gloves, mittens, earmuffs, and other weather-ready accessories
- Culturally familiar or religious head coverings that are clean and respectfully packaged
9. Dresses, Suits & Business Attire
- Casual dresses, professional dresses, and formal dresses
- Men’s and women’s suits, suit separates, and blazers
- Dress shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, and professional cardigans
- Ties, belts, dress shoes, and interview-ready accessories
- Scrubs, unrestricted uniforms, and other workplace clothing
Please place matching suit pieces or coordinated outfits together whenever possible.
10. Seasonal and Weather-Ready Clothing
- Warm coats, rain jackets, fleece, and insulated layers
- Gloves, hats, scarves, and warm socks
- Lightweight summer clothing and sun hats
- Clean cold-weather accessories when currently requested
11. Shoes and Footwear
- Clean athletic shoes and everyday shoes
- Dress shoes, work boots, and weather-resistant footwear
- Sandals and seasonal footwear
Please tie, clip, or bag matching pairs together.
12. Culturally Responsive and Gender-Affirming Clothing
Mainspring welcomes clothing that supports personal dignity, cultural expression, religious practice, and gender identity.
- Modest clothing and useful layering pieces
- Clean, respectfully packaged head coverings and culturally familiar garments
- A broad selection of styles, sizes, and fits
- Gender-neutral clothing and accessories
13. Undergarments, Socks & Personal Basics
- New or gently used underwear
- New or gently used bras and sports bras
- New or gently used socks
- New or gently used pantyhose, tights, and stockings
- New or gently used undershirts, thermals, and base layers
All gently used intimate apparel must be freshly washed, stain-free, undamaged, and in good wearable condition. New packaged items are always especially helpful.
14. Best Donation Practice
Donate with the future recipient in mind: every item should be clean, dignified, usable, and ready for immediate selection. If you are unsure, ask a Mainspring staff member before unloading it.