A CHANGE
OF CLOTHES.
A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE.
Every child deserves to feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. Our Care Closet helps Pierce County elementary schools respond to unexpected clothing emergencies—quickly, respectfully, and with dignity.
BASIC NEEDS
SHOULD NEVER BE A BARRIER.
Families across Pierce County face financial pressures that can make everyday essentials harder to afford. When an elementary student needs a clean change of clothing during the school day, having the right items immediately available matters.
Children in Poverty
Estimated number of Pierce County children under age 18 living in poverty in 2024.
Child Poverty Rate
Estimated share of Pierce County children under 18 living below the poverty threshold in 2024.
Students Facing Homelessness
Washington public school students experiencing homelessness in 2024–2025, statewide and across all grade levels.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (2024); Washington OSPI, 2024–25 Homeless Student Report. These are indicators of vulnerability, not counts of children requiring clothing assistance.
THE PRESSURE
ON FAMILIES.
The Census Bureau's annual estimates show how many children in Pierce County have been living in poverty. For these families, access to donated clothing can help ease the burden of unexpected school-day needs.
Pierce County Children in Poverty
Annual estimated number of children under 18 living below the poverty threshold, 2020–2024.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau SAIPE, annual Pierce County estimates. Bars are scaled to the highest value shown (2024), not to the total child population.
ONE SCHOOL TODAY.
MORE POSSIBILITIES TOMORROW.
With our care closet we are building a model of practical, school-based support that can grow with community donations and partnerships.
HELP US REACH THE NEXT SCHOOL.
We want more Pierce County schools to have emergency clothing available when students need it.
With your help, we can collect essential items, coordinate with school partners, and build a dependable resource that helps children return to learning with confidence.
SMALL ACTS OF CARE.
LASTING COMMUNITY VALUE.
A spilled lunch. A playground accident. An unexpected need for clean clothing. A child should not have to spend the rest of the school day uncomfortable or embarrassed.
We work to make emergency clothing available through school partners, giving staff a practical way to respond while protecting each student's privacy and dignity.
YOU GIVE.
Our community donates clean, school-appropriate clothing, especially boys' and girls' sizes 6 - 8.
WE EQUIP.
We organize donated essentials and help make clothing available through participating elementary school partners.
STUDENTS THRIVE.
When an emergency happens, school staff can help students change into clean clothing and return to their day with comfort and dignity.
WE NEED CLOTHES.
THEY NEED CONFIDENCE.
We're asking Pierce County families, businesses, organizations, and community members to help us stock our Care Closet with essential elementary school clothing.
BOYS' CLOTHING
- Comfortable pants and jeans
- Sweatpants and joggers
- T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- New socks and underwear
GIRLS' CLOTHING
- Leggings and comfortable pants
- Jeans and sweatpants
- T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- New socks and underwear
WE BELIEVE
DIGNITY BELONGS TO EVERY CHILD.
At The Archetype Foundation, we believe community support should be close to where it is needed most.
We created our Care Closet initiative because we understand that even a small emergency can become a major challenge for a child during the school day. A clean pair of pants or a fresh shirt may seem simple, but having it available at the right moment can make a meaningful difference.
We know families are working hard. We know schools are being asked to do more with limited resources. And we know that when our community comes together, we can help fill important gaps.
Your clothing donations help us equip schools with essentials, reduce the pressure of unexpected needs on families, and provide students with a more comfortable, dignified school experience.
We are proud to serve our first school, and we're inviting you to help us expand that support across Pierce County.
WE'RE HELPING CHILDREN FEEL SEEN, SUPPORTED, AND READY TO LEARN.
GIVE CLOTHING.
GIVE CONFIDENCE.
We need your help collecting boys' and girls' clothing in sizes 6–8 for elementary school emergencies in Pierce County. Whether you donate a few outfits, organize a clothing drive, or help us connect with another school, your support matters.
Please contact The Archetype Foundation to coordinate clothing drop-off or discuss a school partnership.