Community Education
Clean out your closets for a good cause
It’s time for the sixth annual Food Backpacks 4 Kids Clothing Drive and Giveaway. If you’ve been meaning to clean out your closets, this might be the motivation you’ve been waiting for.
Education Sponsor
Education stories are made possible in part by Tacoma Community College, a proud sponsor of Gig Harbor Now.
Pull out those shirts, pants, shoes and accessories that are either new or gently used. You know, the gift that still has the store tags, and was never worn, or the clothes that don’t fit anymore but are in great condition. Donations are being accepted July 14 through Aug. 10.
Needed items this year include gently used or new clothes, shoes and accessories for people of all ages, and sizes.
250 families benefitted last year
FB4K Development Manager Sigurros Welborn said that each year the people of Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula have filled the donation bins, and have made the clothing drive a success. The nonprofit agency, with the help of all who donated, served more than 250 families during the clothing giveaway last year, creating a back-to-school shopping tradition.
“My favorite aspect of this event is the community really turns out to help,” Welborn said. “Many of the families who benefit from the event volunteer to make it happen.”
Many hours are dedicated to sorting through thousands of donated items. Volunteers set up the event to be a fun shopping experience that is free to the community.
Drop-off locations
Drop-off locations are set up throughout Gig Harbor and the Key Peninsula. They include:
- Best Western, 6575 Kimball Drive, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
- Harbor Christian Center Office, 3781 Rosedale St. suite 200, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
- The Kids Dentist Gig Harbor, 3316 56th St., suite 100, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
- St. John’s Episcopal Church, 7701 Skansie Ave., noon to 2 p.m. July 15 and Aug. 5.
- TAPCO Credit Union Gig Harbor, 7109 Pioneer Way, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
- Key Peninsula Lutheran Church, 4213 Lackey Road NW, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Wedesday.
- Purdy Costless Pharmacy, 14218 92nd Ave. NW, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
- Waypoint North Church, 12719 134th Ave. NW, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Distribution event
The distribution event is Aug. 22 through 24 at the Key Peninsula Civic Center, 17010 S. Vaughn Road NW. Families can shop for school clothing for kids, but adults are encouraged to shop for themselves as well.
There are no restrictions for income level or any age requirements. That event is open to the community, and anyone can shop during the giveaway.

Volunteers sort through donations during the Food Backpacks 4 Kids clothing drive in 2024. This year’s clothing drive begins July 14 and continues through Aug. 10, with the giveaway scheduled for Aug. 22-24. Photo courtesy of Food Backpacks 4 Kids