LI nonprofits stuff clothing bin to launch new partnership

A dozen school kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities from People’s Arc of Suffolk Educare Center in Bohemia formed a “fire brigade” style line this week to help fill a new Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island clothing donation bin.

The effort is part of a new community-driven program that will provide ongoing support for kids at the Bohemia center.

Students got help from their teachers passing bags of donated clothing from a nearby van to the new bin, where it was then deposited by the CEOs of Big Brothers Big Sisters and People’s Arc of Suffolk.

“Any chance we get to show our kids can be part of the community and improve the community is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said John McGuigan, CEO of People’s Arc of Suffolk. “They’re out here smiling, laughing, clapping, all getting involved helping. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

The clothing donation bin will collect gently used clothing and textiles, with proceeds from the program directly benefiting the Educare Center, specifically the school’s sensory room, a specialized space designed to support learning, emotional regulation, and comfort.

“We partner with 30 nonprofits across Long Island, which collect gently used clothing and put them in our bins,” said Mark Cox, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island. “We turn that clothing into financial support that directly serves their programs.”