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'Free Fridays': Hamburg business launches monthly free children's clothing giveaway

'Free Fridays': Hamburg business launches monthly free children's clothing giveaway
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HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Hamburg dry cleaner has launched a monthly program, "Free Fridays."

Kathy Benzinger has operated a Benzinger's Clothing Care for 29 years, and started "Free Fridays" in partnership with local consignment shops.

"People should know that every second, a truckload of clothing ends up in the landfill," Benzinger said. "I thought we could do something about this."

WATCH: Hamburg business launches monthly free children's clothing giveaway

'Free Fridays': Hamburg business launches monthly free children's clothing giveaway

Benzinger reached out to Nancy Baker from Southtowns Kids Consignment, who started donating clothes that couldn't be sold.

"If it comes with a stain on it, or a rip or a tear, I can't accept it, it won't sell, so I donate it to Kathy Benzinger," Baker said.

Nancy Baker with clothes from Southtowns Kids Consignment
Nancy Baker with clothes from Southtowns Kids Consignment

Benzinger's team repairs and restores the donated clothing before giving it away on Free Fridays. Anyone can stop by and take as much as they want.

"No cost, no questions, no form," Lilah Babiak, Marketing Coordinator for Benzinger's, said. "Show up during event hours and take what you need."

Jackie Hoak with her bag of goodies for the grandkids
Jackie Hoak with her bag of goodies for the grandkids

Jackie Hoak, a grandmother of 11, attended the event and left with a Sabres t-shirt and a plaid shirt for two of her grandkids.

"I think it's great for the community," Hoak said.

They plan to continue Free Fridays in the parking lot while the weather permits, with hopes for an indoor event around the holidays.

"The reason I'm successful is because of this community," Benzinger said. "I wanted to start giving back to the community that has given so much to me over the last 29 years."

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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