Charitable Union Launches Back-to-School Clothing Drive
to Support Calhoun County Kids
Battle Creek, MI – For 138 years, Charitable Union has ensured that children in Calhoun County start the school year with the clothing they need to feel confident and ready to learn. That commitment continues today, and we need your help to make this year’s Back-to-School Mobile Store Program a success.
In August, Charitable Union staff and volunteers will pack trucks and travel across the county to create mobile shopping experiences for families in Albion, Harper Creek, Homer, Marshall, and Battle Creek. These events provide free new and gently used school clothing to children in need—and demand is growing.
We Need Your Help – Urgently Needed Clothing Donations:
We're currently running low on the following high-need items:
- BOYS: Pants (sizes 6–20), Underwear (XS–XL)
- GIRLS: Pants (sizes 5–20), Shirts (S & XL)
- MEN: Pants (waist 25–34), Underwear (S–L)
- WOMEN: Pants (sizes 3–9, 16 & 18), Shirts (XS), Underwear (S–L)
Donations are being accepted now through July 31st at the following locations during regular business hours:
Albion
Marshall
- Marshall Community Credit Union
- Sturgis Bank
Battle Creek
- Advia Credit Union (both locations)
- Battle Creek Tile & Mosaic
- Battle Creek Community Foundation
- Calhoun County Visitors Bureau
- Ermisch Travel
- Grand Trunk Employees Credit Union
- Honor Credit Union (all 3 locations)
- Insurance Network
- Kellogg Community Credit Union
- Marshall Community Credit Union
- Maurices
- Old National Bank
- OMNI Community Credit Union (all 4 locations)
- Plumeria Botanical Boutique (Michigan Ave. location)
- Sunshine Toyota
- The Gift Shop @ Charitable Union
Back-to-School Event Details
Battle Creek Distribution
- By Appointment Only
- Appointments open July 17
- Schedule by phone: Monday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Or make an appointment in person while visiting our Free Store
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must reside in Calhoun County
- Have children entering Kindergarten through 12th grade
- Show a valid Bridge, Medicaid, or WIC card
- Present a photo ID and benefit card at the event
“We know how tough it is right now for many families,” said Teresa Allen, CEO of Charitable Union. “These new school outfits lift a huge burden. They’re not just clothes—they’re confidence, stability, and a fresh start.”
Volunteers Needed – Join the Effort
With multiple off-site events and limited staff, volunteers are essential to the success of our back-to-school programs.
“Many hands make light work,” said Nicole Frohlich, Operations Manager. “August is especially challenging—many of our volunteers are preparing their own families for school or taking vacations. If you can lend a hand, we’d love to have you.”
To volunteer, contact Nicole at Nicole@CharitableUnion.org or call (269) 964-7234.
About Charitable Union
The Charitable Union provides clothing, personal care items, baby formula, steel-toed shoes, and household items FREE OF CHARGE to Calhoun County residents who have a Bridge, Medicaid, or WIC card. Charitable Union serves seniors, adults, the homeless, and children at our store located at 85 Calhoun Street, as well as through events like our Back-to-School and Winter Coat distributions throughout the county.
Charitable Union’s Free Store is open weekly from Monday through Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly and the 2nd Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Individuals needing assistance should bring their Bridge, WIC, or Medicaid card, along with a photo ID showing their residence in Calhoun County and Social Security card. For more information, please call: 269-964-7234 or visit our website: www.charitableunion.org.
Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donations can be placed in the pink bins located in our parking lot.
Charitable Union
Our Hours of Operation for all areas. Please check the area of service below that you would like information on:
Donation Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Free Store Shopping:
Mon, Tues and Wed
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2nd Saturday of month
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Closed Thurs and Fri
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The Gift Shop :
Monday - Thursday 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
85 Calhoun Street
Battle Creek, MI 49017