EMS CLOSET to hold “On the Right Foot” clothing drive for Midlands students
June 4, 2025
The City of Columbia Mayor’s Office and Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is proud to partner with EMS CLOSET, a volunteer-driven nonprofit founded by three generations of educators, to launch its annual “On the Right Foot: Back-to-School Clothing Drive”. This vital initiative aims to provide 400 students in Richland School Districts One and Two with essential clothing, shoes, and personal care items before the first day of school in August.
“The City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement is proud of the amazing work done daily by the volunteer staff at EMS Closet. Some people may not realize that a lot of youth do not want to attend school because of their clothing, so the work done by EMS Closet is vital. Because of their dedication and commitment, youth can feel good about themselves while wearing new clothing at school. We fully support the “On the Right Foot” clothing drive and look forward to our continued partnership with EMS Closet!”
– City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
What’s Needed:
EMS CLOSET is collecting new items to meet the needs of students from Pre-K through 12th grade, including:
- 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, and shampoo/conditioner sets
- Additional Support: 400 backpacks, books, and stuffed animals
- For Older Students (approx. 150 youth): Deodorant, laundry detergent sheets, and feminine hygiene packs
How You Can Help:
- Donate new clothing or supplies
- Become a drop-off location partner
- Make a financial contribution to help meet remaining needs
- Share this initiative with your networks
Donations Accepted: June 2, 2025 – August 2, 2025
Donation drop-off locations:
- *Richland County Sherriff’s Department: 5623 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
- Palmetto Yoga & Wellness:111 Sparkleberry Crossing Rd., Columbia, SC, 29229
- CBD Pharmacy of Columbia: 3407 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29204
- St. John’s Episcopal Church: 2827 Wheat St., Columbia, SC (Open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday)
- City Hall – City of Columbia: 1737 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Family Promise of the Midlands: 1333 Omarest Dr., Columbia, SC 29210 (Open 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday)
*Location changed since previous press release.
