“Give a Thread” Clothing Drive Runs Until Jan. 9

The University of Pittsburgh is attempting to break another Guinness World Record—this time, by collecting more than 150,000 “large articles” of clothing for charity.

Pitt’s “Give a Thread” project, which was launched Dec. 5, will conclude Jan. 9. Large clothing items are defined as pants, shirts, jackets, suits, dresses, shorts, or skirts. Clothing may be in any condition, but items deemed too worn or stained will be donated to Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania to be used as sustainable filler for insulation.

Smaller items, such as gloves and hats, may also be donated, but will not be counted toward the record attempt. 

A page on the Office of Student Affairs Web site (www.studentaffairs.pitt.edu/pittserves/give-thread) is dedicated to the drive and includes a list of all drop-off locations for each of Pitt’s five campuses. In addition, donors may call 412-624-1065 to schedule a pickup if they are unable to drop off their donations. 

Donations will be tallied on Jan. 9 and distributed to Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, the University Career Development and Placement Assistance Office, and Thriftsburgh, a student-run thrift store on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Also participating in the clothing drive are the City of Pittsburgh, Mayor Peduto’s Office, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. 

The Emirates Red Crescent Society in Dubai holds the current record for collecting 146,000 articles of clothing earlier this fall. 

Each year, Pitt’s incoming class of new and transfer students works to break a Guinness World Record during Orientation Week in the fall. Among the successes is a 2012 record for “Largest Cupid Shuffle Dance,” which was a tribute to the late Pitt alumnus and legendary dancer Gene Kelly (A&S ’33).