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Reusing old stuff.
making new friends.

We started our popular Freebies for Families event in 2019, following the death of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, an expectant mom from Pilsen who was tragically murdered while looking for baby clothes via a Facebook connection.

In memory of Marlen, and in order to provide a safe space for our fellow moms, we organized this event with the hope of providing not only material goods, but also resources and an opportunity to "build your village" of caretakers to help you survive and thrive throughout parenthood.

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Next Event

Saturday, August 23rd, 12pm - 2pm

Location is TBD

How & What to Donate

The Donation Window:

  • Donations are accepted only on the day of the event, from 10-11:30am.

  • Once the event begins, we can no longer accept donations until the next scheduled event.

Yes, Please Donate:

  • ​Infant/toddler & children's clothing, coats & shoes​

  • Fresh diapers, sealed wipes, new jars of food or formula​​

  • Gear, such as:

    • High chairs

    • Strollers

    • Pack-n-plays

    • Bathtubs

    • Diaper Bags

No Thanks:

  • Adult clothing

  • House or kitchen items

  • Used undergarments

  • Cloth diapers

  • Food that is half-used, or opened

  • Used pacifiers or teethers

  • Car seats that are expired (check the label on side or bottom)

  • Puzzles, toys, dolls or stuffed animals

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Please Note:

We do not accept referrals

We do not have the capacity to take appointments.

We receive many calls from hospital staff and patients in search of diapers, and that is not a service we can offer, unfortunately.

We are a volunteer group, and our monthly event is meant to encourage young parents to meet each other. For immediate needs, the best referral is to Greater Chicago Food Depository's Find Food/Diapers tool online.

 

Thanks for understanding.

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The Southwest Collective is

a 501(c)(3) organization.

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