It Takes a Village
The Clothesline relies on the generosity of residents, businesses, and dedicated volunteers to support families in need across Arlington. You can help make a difference by donating clothing, contributing financially, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that more children in our community have the clothing they need to thrive.
ABOUT US
Who We Are
The Clothesline for Arlington Kids is dedicated to providing free clothing in excellent condition to school-aged children in Arlington, Virginia, whose families face economic hardship. We collect clothing from the community and offer it at no cost to low-income schoolchildren in a dignified and welcoming environment. Through partnerships with social workers, nonprofits, and schools, we ensure that those who need our services can easily find us.
Twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring—our clients can visit to receive a seasonally appropriate wardrobe, ensuring children are ready for school and extracurricular activities. But we are more than just a clothing resource. The Clothesline provides an empowering and dignified shopping experience in a retail environment where children can browse and choose clothes they love—not just what they need. Our carefully curated store creates a space where kids feel comfortable and confident, leaving with a sense of independence and pride in their choices
Our Story
The Clothesline for Arlington Kids was founded in 2017 by Ellen Moy and Ben Sessions, Arlington residents committed to making a difference in their community. As parents of school-aged children, they recognized a gap in the year-round availability of quality, free clothing for low-income kids. They also saw that there was no system for families to donate their children’s excellent-condition clothing to those who needed it most.
Inspired by conversations with like-minded organizations across the country, Ellen and Ben launched The Clothesline for Arlington Kids—a sustainable way to give good clothing a second life while ensuring that local schoolchildren in need can choose clothing they love in a dignified, welcoming environment. By providing well-fitting clothes that help kids feel comfortable and confident, The Clothesline empowers them to focus on learning and fully participating in school and extracurricular activities.