Collecting Underwear for the Homeless

“Undercover Operations” is the name of a new philanthropic project that collects undergarments for the homeless. The project is being piloted by Marge Anderson, whose i5 Teaching Network in Gales Ferry specializes in art and science education – particularly forensic science.

Anderson, a retired Pfizer scientist, was quick to note the connection between forensic science and underwear.

But seriously, she said, “people ask me why underwear? And the answer is no one else is doing it. People will go through their closets and pick out ‘gently used’ clothing to donate to charities, but no one is thinking underwear.” 

Obviously ‘gently used’ won’t work with underwear. “It’s got to be new,” Anderson said. Specifically, the project is seeking undergarments for all ages, including socks, briefs, boxers, undershirts, bras, panties and diapers for infants, children, and adults. 

“And all of those things are needed,” Anderson said, calling them an "unmet need."  

"There’s no point in my doing something that someone else is doing," she said. "I mean, do you know anyone collecting underwear?”

A loyal women’s basketball fan, Anderson will be staffing an informational booth at the Connecticut Sun game tonight with representatives from the New London Homeless Hospitality Center. The center supports neighbors in need through housing assistance, resource and community services, an overnight temporary shelter, and the Project Home for Veterans.

"Undercover Operations" will collect undergarments at the Sun’s game on Sunday, July 31, at 5 p.m. vs. the Atlanta Dream, and again on Aug. 16 when the Sun hosts the Minnesota Lynx, featuring former UConn standout Maya Moore.

Items may also be dropped off at the i5 office, 1661 Route 12, Gales Ferry, or next-door at Human Performance. There is no outside collection box, so donors may want to call 860 287-7400 in advance to be sure someone is there.

As mentioned, only new items with original packaging or tags will be accepted.

The project even has a mascot – a raven.

“Ravens and crows are not universally loved…  and a lot of people don’t like homeless people,” Anderson said. “But do they know any homeless people?

“So the raven represents inclusion,” she said. “And I had the puppet, so I thought I would use it.”