So Many Ways to Help The Caring Link!
No time to volunteer? No problem!
There are plenty of ways you and/or your organization can support The Caring Link and help kids in need all across Madison County:
Donate Needed Items
One of the easiest ways to support The Caring Link is by donating items that can go directly into our Care Closets.
We’re always in need of new clothing, shoes, toiletries, school and classroom supplies, as well as comfort items that help local students feel confident, cared for, and ready to learn.
Want to make it even easier? Shop our online wishlists!
- Amazon
- Walmart
Every item makes a difference—and every donation helps us care for our community, one student at a time.
Hold a Donation Drive
One of our favorite ways to see a community come together is through a donation drive!
When organizations, businesses, churches, and community groups collect items for us, those donations go directly towards filling our Care Closets helping local students who need a little extra support.
We always welcome donations of:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Coats & Jackets
- Toiletries
- School & Classroom Supplies
- Formal Wear
- Costumes
Thinking about hosting a drive? We’d love to partner with you!
Whether you have a specific item in mind or want help choosing what would make the biggest impact, reach out to us. We’ll be happy to provide ideas, resources, and guidance to make your drive a success.
Become a Donation Drop-Off Location for a Special Drive
One of the easiest ways for a business or organization to support us is by becoming a community donation drop-off location.
It’s a simple way to help us collect much-needed items while giving your customers, employees, members, and community an easy place to give.
Drop-off opportunities include normal items found in our Care Closets, or special drives, such as:
- New and gently used formalwear for Prom Shops
- Boxed Valentine’s Day cards for classroom parties
- Easter baskets & eggs for New bEGGinnings
- Halloween costumes for BOO-Tique
- Holiday trees and gifts for Bless-a-Buddy
If your business or organization has the space to serve as a collection site and the heart to open your doors for one of our programs, we’d love to hear from you.
Donate Used Clothing (& More!)
Have clothes you’re ready to part with? Don’t throw them out—turn them into resources for local kids!
The Caring Link accepts gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household textiles year-round through our Used Clothing (& More!) Fundraiser.
While these donated items don’t go directly into our Care Closets, they are converted into funding that helps us purchase the brand-new essentials our students need.
And there’s no deadline! This is a year-round fundraiser, so keep us in mind whenever you’re cleaning out a closet, dresser, or linen cabinet.
What you no longer need could be exactly what helps us provide what a child does.
Kroger Community Rewards
Link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to The Caring Link through Kroger Community Rewards, and your everyday purchases can help support our programs.
It’s fast, free, and easy to sign up!
You don’t pay anything extra, and there’s nothing additional to remember at checkout.
Shop. Swipe. Give back. It’s that easy to turn your regular grocery trips into support for local students.
Link your card today and let your shopping do some good!
Walmart Spark Good
Signing up for Walmart Spark Good and selecting The Caring Link is a simple way to support our mission.
When you choose to round up your eligible purchases or shop from our online registries, those small donations can help provide local students with clothing, shoes, hygiene items, school supplies, and other essentials.
No big donation required—just a little change that can make a big difference!
Turn Blood Donations into Book Fair Magic!
Did you know your company’s next LifeSouth blood drive can do double the good?
By sponsoring The Caring Link’s Blood for Books initiative during your workplace blood drive, your employees’ life-saving blood donations can also generate funds for our Book Fairy program, which helps students in need shop their school book fairs alongside their peers.
That means one simple act of generosity can save lives through blood donation AND put books into the hands of children who need them most.
The best part: there’s no added cost or extra work on your end!
Be the link and contact Michelle Brady today at mbrady@thecaringlink.com to get everything set up.
DIY for Good!
Put your crafty skills to good use!
If you love to knit, crochet, or sew, why not use your talents to make a difference for local kids?
The Caring Link welcomes makers of all kinds to turn their creativity and skills into something that helps a child feel warm, confident, and cared for.
- Knit or crochet winter hats and gloves
- Sew cozy blankets or small bags for feminine kits
- Lend your skills as a seamstress for our Prom Shops
Other Ways to Help
- Nominate The Caring Link for any grants or awards your organization may offer
- Are you a hairstylist or barber? Put your skills to good use at our next New Beginnings!
- Purchase The Caring Link-branded gear during our annual fundraising sale (and wear it with pride)
- Become a Care Closet Sponsor or a GEM in our Vault
- Sign up for our email newsletter and/or become a volunteer
- Connect with us on social media and spread the word about the good work that we’re doing:
