Giving Back is a 'MUST' All Year Long
IST Gives Back
As summer winds down, IST Gives Back is looking ahead to colder days.
Now through September 14th, IST Management is collecting gently used, good-condition winter clothing and accessories to support families in need as they prepare for frigid and windy days of Fall and Winter.
Every donation collected will go towards MUST Ministries, an incredible non-profit serving “the whole person.”
“We aim to treat not only the urgent symptoms of poverty but also the root causes. This
means providing immediate needs while also leading families towards independence”
As we approach the midpoint of the calendar, the back-to-school season, and the upcoming change of seasons, now is the perfect time to clean your closets. Once the temperature drops, many families could benefit from your extra coats and accessories. One pair of boots you never really wore, a couple of sweaters, or an old college beanie could be much needed for many this winter!
What We’re Collecting and Why
Beyond supporting the immediate physical needs of fellow Americans, a donation like this also supports something bigger: a more sustainable future where we think twice about our consumption habits. According to HumanRightsResearch.org, over 1.92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually, with the average American throwing away 81.5 pounds of clothing. This statistic represents a culture of overconsumption and an extreme lack of sustainability. Whatever the reason, we could all do more to help reduce the growing mountain of textile waste in landfills by donating or repurposing quality items we don’t wear or have no room for. Every coat that goes to a new home instead of a landfill is a small win for both a family in need and the planet.
All items collected during our 2026 Winter Wear Drive will go directly to children and families in need. Everyone deserves access to the supplies and items needed to stay warm on cold winter days. These necessities make the difference between a child staying home from school on a cold morning or a parent showing up prepared for a job interview.
Collecting Warmth for the Season Ahead
MUST distributed 153,000+ pounds of clothing items just last year, reaching families across Georgia who needed it most. MUST serves 65,000+ people a year, with 40,000 being children. With monetary donations, you can give knowing close to 87 cents of every dollar goes to providing lifesaving resources for individuals.
- Qualified Individuals can shop for free clothing from donated items.
- People living in homelessness can receive additional weekly items.
- Work clothes, shoes, and linens are distributed.
This drive is just one piece of IST's ongoing relationship with MUST Ministries, a partnership that runs year-round rather than just during collection season. Each holiday season, we look forward to ending the year by contributing to MUST’s Annual Holiday Toy Drive, where families can shop for gifts along with other essential items!
