West Cook News

Cook County donates nearly 1,000 new articles of clothing from the former Oak Forest Campus to New Life Center to support migrant relief efforts.

Chicago, IL – Today, the Cook County Department of Facilities Management delivered a donation of nearly 1,000 new articles of clothing to New Life Center to support the “New Vecinos” team, which provides resources for new arrivals.

The donation included 866 pairs of shoes and 81 pairs of pants, stemming from the salvage efforts at the Oak Forest Campus Long-Term Care Facility, which closed in 2011. The Department of Facilities Management has worked for several years to remove salvageable materials to reuse and donate any suitable items from the campus, which is set for partial demolition later this year.

Earlier this year, the team discovered a surplus of new clothing in the facility. Employees from the Department of Facilities Management carefully assessed the condition of the clothes, inventoried each item and identified an organization to receive them. Cook County contacted New Life Center and the donation was delivered earlier today.

The New Vecinos team provides much-needed clothing and hygiene items to new arrivals, with a large portion of donations going to “landing zones,” or points where buses first stop in Chicago with new arrivals.

“When we discovered the clothing--most of it still in the original packaging and unworn--I saw an opportunity to give back,” said Evadne Garth, Business Manager and head of the Cook County Salvage Program. “It’s an honor to do the work to see these resources go to those in need.”

“The Cook County Salvage Program has been an important initiative for Cook County Government to reduce, reuse and recycle materials throughout our buildings,” said President Preckwinkle. “We are glad to give back to our newest neighbors and contribute to organizations doing great work in our communities. As we close the chapter on one of our buildings, I am proud of the hard work of our staff to ensure that usable supplies go on to benefit Cook County residents.”

Last month, more than 200 pairs of pants were donated to Stroger Hospital Inpatient Care Coordination program.

Oak Forest Hospital was a long-term care facility for impoverished community members with over 600 beds offering rehabilitation services in addition to health care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses. The new clothing and shoes were likely purchased or donated for long-term patients at Oak Forest.

Photos are available on the Cook County Flickr page.