Charlotte, NC
One kid from Charlotte who believes clothes can change everything.
The Clothing Cycle is a community project built on a simple belief — that what you wear affects how you feel, and everyone deserves that confidence.
"Clothes gave me confidence. I want everyone in Charlotte to have that same feeling — no matter what their situation looks like."
— Founder, The Clothing Cycle — Junior, Providence High School
Our story
It started with a love of clothes and a question I couldn't shake.
I'm a 16-year-old junior at Providence High School in Charlotte, and I've always been passionate about clothes. Not just the style side of it — but what clothes actually do for people. When you put on an outfit that fits right and feels good, it changes how you carry yourself. It gives you confidence. I've felt that, and I know it's real.
But I also started noticing that not everyone gets that same shot. Some people are working so hard just to get by that a new outfit isn't even on the list. That felt wrong to me. Confidence shouldn't be something only some people have access to.
So I started The Clothing Cycle — a way to take clothes that people no longer need and get them to people who do. Free pickups, careful sorting, and real distribution to Charlotte shelters and community organizations. It's my way of giving back to the city I grew up in, and making sure more people get to feel good in what they wear.
What we stand for
Confidence is for everyone.
Clothes build confidence
What you wear affects how you feel and how the world sees you. We believe that kind of confidence shouldn't depend on your income.
Free for everyone
Pickups are always free. We believe doing the right thing shouldn't cost you anything. Our resale revenue keeps the whole cycle running.
Rooted in Charlotte
This started here, for here. We're Charlotte kids serving Charlotte neighbors — from the families donating to the people receiving.
Nothing goes to waste
Every item we pick up has a path forward. We sort by hand and find the best possible next chapter for each piece — resale, donation, or textile recycling.
How we sort
Three tiers. Every item assessed by hand.
When your bags arrive at our sorting facility, every single item gets washed and evaluated. Here's how we decide where each piece goes.
Best condition — Resold
What qualifies
No stains, tears, or significant wear. Clean, intact, and something someone would genuinely want to buy.
What we do
Washed, photographed, listed in our resale shop at fair prices. Revenue funds free pickups and expands our reach.
Good condition — Donated
What qualifies
Wearable and clean, but not quite resale-ready. Minor pilling, slight fading, or styles that won't move in our shop.
What we do
Washed, folded, and delivered directly to Charlotte's homeless shelters and community organizations on a regular schedule.
Worn out — Recycled
What qualifies
Too worn, torn, or damaged to wear. Items that would otherwise be destined for the trash.
What we do
Sent to textile repair and recycling partners who break garments down into insulation, industrial rags, or repaired and resold pieces.
The team
Small team. Big heart.
Founder
Founder & Director
Junior at Providence High School in Charlotte. Started The Clothing Cycle at 16 to make sure more people in his community get to feel confident in what they wear.
DeShawn Williams
Operations Lead
Runs the sorting facility and pickup logistics. Has personally sorted more than 8,000 items and counting.
Priya Nair
Shelter Partnerships
Manages relationships with Charlotte's shelter network. Makes sure donations arrive clean, sorted, and on time.
Want to be part of the cycle?
Schedule a free pickup and your clothes will find their best next chapter.