St. Margaret's House holds fourth annual 'Undie 500' Drive to support women and children

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- St. Margaret's House is undergoing its fourth annual "Undie 500" donation drive, a community-wide drive to collect brand-new underwear and bras for women and children. 

The nonprofit organization calls the donation drive a race to serve women with dignity and respect. 

"One of the beautiful things about this drive, specifically, is that we really prioritize that our women have access to new undergarments. That is, again, one of that the elements of dignity that is a big priority for St. Margaret's House, that the women who come here feel dignified and they feel important and valued," Senior Director of Development and Strategy at St. Margaret's House Lauren Smyth said.

Donations can be dropped off from now until Friday from 10 a.m. To 4 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Thursday, at the St. Margaret's House in downtown South Bend. 

The clothing closet at St. Margaret's House, known as the boutique, gives women the chance to choose 20 items each month, and undergarments are one of the most requested essentials. 

Last year, they received 4,000 pairs and this year they're aiming for 5,000. As of yesterday, they are currently at 1,284.  

And to make the donation process a little easier, there’s an Amazon Wish List available on their website. 

"We would really love to have the community support. We see every day how important the support of our donors, whether it's in-kind donations or those who support us financially, it makes a huge difference in our ability to serve the needs of the women who come in every day. We want to invite the entire community to be a part of this. It's a good time to really reach out and support your neighbors and your friends and even the strangers you haven't met yet," Smyth said.