Light Orlando Volunteers Make a Difference at 6th Annual Community Clothing Closet Cleanout
- Amanda Selby
- May 4
- 2 min read
Light Orlando Volunteers Make a Difference at 6th Annual Community Clothing Closet Cleanout
On Saturday, April 25, 2026, a powerful display of community, compassion, and collaboration unfolded at Light Orlando’s 6th Annual Community Clothing Closet Cleanout Sorting Event. Hosted at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Apopka Vineland Road, the event brought together 120 dedicated Light Orlando volunteers with one shared mission: to serve neighbors in need across Central Florida.
In the weeks leading up to the event, generosity poured in from across the region. From March 16 through event day, donations were collected at more than 10 public drop-off locations. The result was an outpouring of support that translated into 60,347 total donated items.
This included 49,374 brand-new items, 10,073 gently used clothing pieces, and 900 pairs of gently used shoes.
Inside the venue, volunteers worked side by side, carefully sorting clothing and shoes into organized categories such as men’s, women’s, children’s, and professional attire. This thoughtful process ensured that every item would be ready to meet specific needs with dignity and care. Outside, teams coordinated the sorting and staging of donations onto pallets, preparing them for seamless distribution as partner organizations arrived.
In addition to clothing, volunteers and donors were encouraged to bring unopened deodorant, an often overlooked but essential item. To further support recipient organizations, Light Orlando supplemented donations with additional hygiene and necessity items, including women’s sanitary products, diapers, wipes, pull-ups, socks, and underwear. These contributions helped ensure that each organization received well-rounded, practical support for the individuals and families they serve.
By the end of the day, donations were distributed to sixteen nonprofit and faith-based organizations across Central Florida. These groups will, in turn, provide essential items to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances, extending the impact beyond the day's event.
The true value of the event is best captured through the voices of those directly impacted. Jamila Smith, Development Director of New Beginnings, shared:
“Because of your generosity, we were able to provide clothing to residents across our programs—New Beginnings Village, our transitional housing for single mothers and their children; Joshua’s House, our men’s ministry; and the residents of Woodwinds, our affordable housing community. These items met real, immediate needs and brought dignity, comfort, and encouragement to so many.”
From donors to volunteers to partner organizations, each played a vital role in transforming simple acts of giving into meaningful impact. As Light Orlando continues its mission, this event serves as a reminder that meeting tangible needs can also uplift spirits, restore dignity, and strengthen the fabric of our community by delivering hope, together.