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Reusing old stuff.
making new friends.

We started our popular Freebies for Families event in 2019, following the death of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, an expectant mom from Pilsen who was tragically murdered while looking for baby clothes via a Facebook connection.

In memory of Marlen, and in order to provide a safe space for our fellow moms, we organized this event with the hope of providing not only material goods, but also resources and an opportunity to "build your village" of caretakers to help you survive and thrive throughout parenthood.

Next Event

  • Freebies for Families: June 2026
    Freebies for Families: June 2026
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Jun 27
    Vicinity Credit Union, south parking lot
    Jun 27, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
    Vicinity Credit Union, south parking lot, 4444 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60632, USA
    Join us once again to donate old stuff and pick up something new-to-your-family.
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  • Contribute to our Wishlist

    With SNAP benefits being cut, and immigration enforcement making everyday living more difficult, Freebies for Families has become a lifeline for many in our community. Please consider purchasing an item from our wishlist.

    How & What to Donate

    The Donation Window:

    • Donations are accepted only on the day of the event, from 10-11:30am.

    • Once the event begins, we can no longer accept donations until the next scheduled event.

    Yes, Please Donate:

    • ​Infant/toddler & children's clothing, coats & shoes​

    • Fresh diapers, sealed wipes, new jars of food or formula​​

    • Gear, such as:

      • High chairs

      • Strollers

      • Pack-n-plays

      • Bathtubs

      • Diaper Bags

    No Thanks:

    • Adult clothing

    • House or kitchen items

    • Used undergarments

    • Cloth diapers

    • Food that is half-used, or opened

    • Used pacifiers or teethers

    • Car seats that are expired (check the label on side or bottom)

    • Puzzles, toys, dolls or stuffed animals

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    Please Note:

    We do not accept referrals or take appointments

    We receive many calls from hospital staff and patients in search of diapers, and unfortunately, delivery and appointment services are not something we have the capacity to offer.

    We are a volunteer group, and our monthly event is meant to encourage young parents to meet each other. For immediate needs, the best referral is to Greater Chicago Food Depository's Find Food/Diapers tool online.

     

    Thanks for understanding.

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    The Southwest Collective is

    a 501(c)(3) organization.

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