Re-Thread
Clothing Services
Clothing tells a story, and every piece deserves a second chapter.
A welcoming place where neighbors find what they need and shop with dignity.
Temporary Pause on Baby & Children's Clothing
As we prepare for inventory, we are temporarily unable to accept baby and children's clothing and most related items.
Adult clothing and other approved donations are still welcome.
3rd Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
We are still accepting clean, gently used toys for our holiday giveaway. Toys are an exception to the temporary children's clothing donation pause.
A Second Chapter. A Fresh Start.
At Re-Thread, families, students, seniors, and individuals can shop free of charge for clothing, shoes, personal hygiene products, and small household essentials.
We also provide essential harm-reduction items to support the health and safety of our community.
Re-Thread is about community, care, and creating cycles of dignity.
Shopping at Re-Thread
Our clothing pantry is free to access. Click any section below to review our guidelines.
1. Registration & Check-In
Each client may shop once every 14 days, or approximately twice per month.
Please bring your own shopping bags.
Check in with the staff member at the front door or at the counter, depending on volunteer coverage.
We ask you to bring something displaying your name and address, if available. This helps us accurately record your information, including the correct spelling of your name.
We will also ask your age. This helps Mainspring understand the demographics of the community we serve, identify needs, and plan future services.
2. Sidewalk Shopping & Morning Setup
Approximately 5 to 10 minutes before 10 AM, volunteers begin bringing donated merchandise outside and arranging items along the sidewalk.
Please do not begin shopping until everything is in place and a volunteer announces that shopping may begin.
- Keep clear of volunteers moving racks, boxes, and merchandise.
- Do not touch, select, or remove items during setup.
- Wait until the sidewalk shopping area officially opens.
- Follow volunteer instructions.
Once sidewalk shopping opens, there is no quantity limit on items selected from the designated sidewalk area.
3. Indoor Tickets & Shopping Times
Re-Thread operates in 15-minute indoor shopping sessions.
- Four shopping tickets are distributed for each session.
- Tickets are handed out five minutes before the scheduled session.
- Check-in information is collected before shopping begins so each client receives their full 15 minutes.
- Wait until a volunteer invites you into the shopping area.
- Select and bag all items within your allotted 15 minutes.
- All shoppers must exit before the next group can enter.
4. Indoor Shopping Limits
Each shopper may select items for themselves and up to three additional household members recorded at check-in.
Per Eligible Household Member
- Up to 14 clothing items
- One pair of shoes
Personal Hygiene Products
Each shopper may request up to three personal hygiene items from the front counter.
5. Looking for Something Specific?
If you need a particular size, clothing item, personal care product, or small household essential that is not displayed, please ask the staff member or volunteer at the front counter.
They can request assistance from another volunteer to check whether the item is available.
Everything at Re-Thread is donated. Specific sizes, styles, products, and quantities cannot be guaranteed.
6. Safety, Respect & Courtesy
Re-Thread is a shared community space. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected.
- Treat volunteers, staff, and other shoppers with courtesy.
- No pushing, grabbing, rushing, or crowding clothing racks.
- Children must remain with a parent or guardian.
- Respect shopping times and item limits.
- Follow staff and volunteer instructions.
- Keep walkways and volunteer work areas clear.
7. Availability of Donated Items
All items are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.
Our inventory depends entirely on community donations. Selection may change from day to day.
We appreciate your patience and understanding when certain items are unavailable.
Donation Information
Your donations help neighbors access everyday essentials at no cost. Please review our current guidelines.
Clothing We Are Accepting
- Adult clothing for all genders and sizes
- Men's, women's, unisex, and plus sizes
- Casual, semi-formal, and dress clothing
- Hats, scarves, ties, purses, wallets, belts
- Shoes of all sizes and styles
- New underwear, socks, and bras
Household, Linens & Personal Care
- Sheets of all sizes
- Blankets and towels
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss
- Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
- New hairbrushes
- Small household goods with prior approval
Some opened or used personal care products may be accepted if still in good condition. Please call ahead before donating these items.
3rd Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway
We Are Accepting Gently Used Toys!
Mainspring is collecting clean, gently used toys for our 3rd Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway.
Toys should be safe, clean, complete where applicable, and in good condition.
Toy donations are an exception to our temporary pause on children's clothing and related items.
Baby Essentials We Still Accept
- Strollers
- Diapers and pull-ups
- Baby wipes
- Unopened, unexpired formula
- New or gently used baby bottles
Temporarily Paused Donations
Until further notice, we are temporarily unable to accept:
- Baby and children's clothing
- Children's items not included in our accepted essentials list
- Baby equipment and accessories not specifically approved
Please Do Not Leave Donations Outside
Food, clothing, or other donations left unattended outside our building, delivered outside established hours, or left without prior arrangements will be discarded.
Once donations are unattended, we cannot confirm whether they have been exposed to moisture, pests, bodily fluids, drug residue, hazardous substances, or other contamination.
For the safety of our clients, volunteers, and staff, these items cannot be brought into the facility or distributed.
Please contact Mainspring in advance if you need to arrange another drop-off time.
Donation Drop-Off Hours
Monday – Thursday
9 AM – 3 PM
Questions? 503-233-5533, extension 101.
View Donation UpdatesAlternative Donation Locations
If you have baby or children's clothing that Mainspring is temporarily unable to accept, these organizations may help. Please contact them before visiting.
Northwest Children's Outreach
May accept new or like-new children's clothing, teen clothing, baby supplies, books, complete toys and games, and approved equipment.
Portland Center
335 NE 18th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: 503-828-1472
Wednesday and Friday: 10 AM – Noon
Tuesday: 6:30 – 8 PM
First Saturday: 10 AM – Noon
Mother & Child Education Center
May accept clean, new or gently used baby and toddler clothing, toys, books, and family supplies.
Appointments are required. Donations are generally limited to three grocery-sized bags. Please call first.
1515 NE 41st Avenue
Portland, OR 97232
SnowCap Community Services
SnowCap accepts a variety of food, clothing, and household donations. Please check current needs before visiting.
Donation Entrance
17788 SE Pine Street
Portland, OR 97233
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 3 PM
Bethlehem Children's Clothing Closet
Located at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. May accept clean children's clothing and supplies for children under 18.
Needs may include pull-ups, newborn through 3T clothing, sizes 7–10, strollers, and car seats. Please confirm current acceptance rules.
5415 SE Powell Boulevard
Portland, OR 97206
Tuesday – Friday
10 AM – 3 PM