February drive to collect underwear for those impacted by disorders

The Shipping Post is one of many businesses participating in the Underwear Drive this month. COURTESY PHOTO

Turn the corner and you might hear or see the phrase “Don’t forget your underwear!” this February, as ARCHway Institute promotes its Underwear Drive for those impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

ARCHway Institute advocates for individuals and families impacted by these disorders and works to ensure that they have access to the variety of treatment and recovery services necessary for long-term success. Recovery is, in fact, possible because of organizations like ARCHway Institute.

This Underwear Drive was inspired by a young woman who was being released from jail to a residential treatment program. The one thing that prevented her from making this smooth transition and continuing her recovery journey was …

Underwear!

Yes, you read that correctly. This young woman didn’t have any underwear of her own — and neither the jail nor the residential treatment program had any to provide her.

Although it is an everyday need, underwear is one item that is rarely collected in clothing drives.

Individuals often walk through the doors of a residential treatment program, recovery house or recovery community organization with nothing: No coat. No shoes. No personal care items. Not even a pair of underwear.

ARCHway Institute is working to change that with this February drive. Throughout the month, ARCHway will be collecting underwear to donate to local organizations to support individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

When it comes to substance use, sometimes the mere number of people who need assistance can be overwhelming. One in 10 people and one in three families are directly impacted by substance use.

ARCHway Institute wants you to know that your support can make a difference. It’s often the simple things that many of us take for granted that are preventing individuals from accessing the care they need to recover and restore their lives. You can help to restore dignity and hope — and lives! — for the people whom the organization is serving.

New underwear can be dropped off at the locations listed below during the month of February. ARCHway has expressed gratitude to each of these community partners for promoting this drive and supporting the mission.

• The Shipping Post, 3941 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda

• Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda

• Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, 252 W Marion Ave., Punta Gorda

• Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, 1700 Education Ave., Punta Gorda

• Twin Isles Country Club, 301 Madrid Blvd., Punta Gorda

• Waterford Estates Amenity Center. 7200 Waterford Parkway, Punta Gorda

• Valerie’s House, 211 McKenzie St., Punta Gorda

• CeJay Associates & Mary Stewart CPA, 2886 Tamiami Trail #10, Port Charlotte

The Charlotte County Sheriff ’s Office also is accepting drop-offs at the following locations:

• 11051 Willmington Blvd., Englewood

• 7474 Utilities Road, Punta Gorda

• 3110 Loveland Blvd., Port Charlotte

• 992 Tamiami Trail (in Grand Oaks Plaza), Port Charlotte

If you or a family member/friend want to start a journey of recovery but do not know where to start, call ARCHway at 314-635-8887, and the organization will help you find the resources or information you need. Its services are free, as the goal is to help connect you to professional resources. ¦

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