We do a common thing uncommonly well.
Our work is the most noble on earth.
We clothe the body of Jesus.
Get involved!
You can make a big difference! Here are some ways you can help…♥ Volunteer!
Every aspect of One Small Step is accomplished by unpaid volunteers who commit between 3 and 20 hours a week. Volunteers register clients and help them find the clothing they need. They sort, wash, hang and iron donated clothing, or clean the shoes. Some volunteers maintain the store, some pick up donations, one prepares the newsletter and one writes thank you notes. On Wednesday mornings, volunteers process socks for One Small Step, which provides socks to social agencies serving the poor. If you are willing and able to volunteer time, please call 480-285-4111. We also accept volunteers who are court-ordered to perform community service.
Caryn Shoemaker, Sabrina Neal-Johnson, Diana Foster, Patty Ammerman, Rhoda Jeune, Kathryn Schroeder and Kay Pratt prepare to process clothing.
♥ Donate Clothing!
Almost all the clothing and bedding given out at The Clothes Cabin has been donated by generous individuals like you! While we typically have a good supply of women’s clothing, some items (school-aged children’s clothing and shoes, men’s clothing and shoes, sheets, towels, socks, and underwear) are almost always needed. It’s best to call ahead to see what items are needed. Donate only clean, seasonal clothing in good condition. (We do not give clothing with stains, tears, broken zippers, or extreme wear.) Deliver donations neatly packed in closed bags or small boxes. Although it may seem helpful to have clothing on hangers, when our racks are full, clothes on hangers are difficult to manage. Donors will find this website helpful in valuing clothing donations for tax purposes.
♥ Have a "Fun" Raiser!
The Clothes Cabin does not receive any funding from the city or any other governmental authority. As a Christian ministry, we rely mainly on groups and individuals to fund the operations. One friend and supporter held a two day garage sale and raised $1365 for The Clothes Cabin! You can grab a few friends, arrange a tea party, silent auction, fashion show, car wash, banquet, craft show, or any other creative event that will raise “fun” and “funds”!
Glenda Squires (left) presents Caryn Shoemaker with proceeds from a garage sale held by Glenda and her sister, Ellen Tryon.
Receiving a check from Carol Coon of Epiphany Lutheran Church totaling nearly $1700 from their rummage sale
♥ Have a clothing or a sock drive!
Admit it -- you have clothes you don’t wear, things that don’t fit, the odd gift from an odd aunt, the jeans you bought on sale but never really worked, or you just have too much. That’s a good start for a clothing drive. Call to find out what The Clothes Cabin needs most, prepare a few posters or invitations that announce what you are collecting and a drop-off location and deadline, then let your friends, family, and coworkers know what you’re doing. It’s that simple!
Pajama Program and Scholastic Book Club donated 1,100 pairs of pajamas for children in need
♥ Redirect your Gift-Giving!
For the person who has everything -- give a donation in their honor. If you’re a teacher who gets way too many lotions and candles -- ask for a pack of socks to donate. Having a birthday celebration for the little one, but don’t want her loaded down with Barbies? Ask your young guests to bring a pair of shoes for donation. Tired of giving to the big charities where your donation gets lost? Make a difference -- give locally! Instead of having a gift exchange, one of our supporters asks her neighbors to bring pajamas, used or new, to the neighborhood Christmas party.
♥ Take a Tax Credit!
One Small Step is a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service, so your cash donation is deductible on the Federal level. The Tax ID is 26-2024218. In Arizona, One Small Step has qualified for the state’s Charitable Organization Working Poor tax credit so your cash donation may substitute dollar for dollar for state income taxes. For example: if you owe $1,000 in state income tax, and you donate $200 to a Qualifying Charitable Organization such as One Small Step, you may subtract the $200 from your tax bill and pay the state only $800. You can also use your $200 donation as a federal income tax deduction. Married couples filing jointly may deduct $400. Your donation costs you nothing! Please consult your tax advisor and Arizona Form 321 for details. Donations received or postmarked by December 31 are eligible for the tax credit in that calendar year. Mail your check or money order to One Small Step, Inc., 1131 S. Paradise Dr., Gilbert AZ 85233. You will receive a receipt to use for income tax purposes.