City of Columbia and EMS CLOSET launch “On the Right Foot” clothing drive to support Midlands students

Community Urged to Donate New Clothing and Supplies for Local Youth in Need

The City of Columbia Mayor’s Office has teamed up with EMS CLOSET to launch the annual “On the Right Foot: Back-to-School Clothing Drive”, a community-wide initiative designed to provide essential items for 400 students in Richland School Districts One and Two ahead of the 2025-2026 school year.

The drive officially kicks off Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with a press conference at St. John’s Episcopal Church (2827 Wheat St., Columbia). Spearheaded by EMS CLOSET, a volunteer-run nonprofit founded by three generations of educators, this effort aims to ease the burden of back-to-school preparation for families in need by supplying clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and backpacks to children from Pre-K through 12th grade.

What’s Needed:

EMS CLOSET is seeking donations of new items to meet specific student needs:

• Clothing & Shoes: 400 pairs of shoes, 2,800 pairs each of socks and underwear, 2,400 shirts, and 1,600 pairs of pants or shorts

• Personal Care Items: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo/conditioner sets

• Backpacks, books, and stuffed animals

• For older students (approx. 150 youth): Deodorant, laundry detergent sheets, and feminine hygiene products

With more than 34,000 children living in poverty across the two school districts, the drive highlights a critical yet often overlooked need: clothing.

“Federal assistance covers housing, food, and energy—but clothing remains an unmet basic need,” said Tommie Wingate, founder of EMS CLOSET. “This drive ensures students can start the school year with dignity, confidence, and the tools they need to succeed.”

How the Community Can Help:

• Donate new clothing or school supplies

• Become a drop-off location partner

• Make a financial contribution to cover remaining needs

• Spread the word through social media and community networks

Donation Period:

• June 2 – August 2, 2025

Drop-Off Locations:

• Palmetto Citizens Credit Union (Beltline Branch) – 2200 N Beltline Blvd, Columbia, SC 29204

• Palmetto Yoga & Wellness – 111 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., Columbia, SC

• CBD Pharmacy of Columbia – 3407 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29204

• St. John’s Episcopal Church – 2827 Wheat St., Columbia, SC (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM)

• City Hall – City of Columbia – 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

• Family Promise of the Midlands – 1333 Omarest Dr., Columbia, SC 29210 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM – 3 PM)

For more information or to get involved, contact Tommie Wingate 843-323-0543 or Britt Buguey 508-274-1837 [email protected]