Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania are partnering to host a Give A Little Love Clothing Drive throughout the month of February. In this initiative, local Girl Scouts will be collecting clothing donations to donate to Goodwill stores in the area.

This drive comes in one of the organization’s biggest times of need, said David Tobiczyk, vice president of marketing and development at Goodwill of southwestern Pennsylvania.

“In the winter months our donations typically slow down,” Tobiczyk said.

Compared to past years, this season hasn’t been as dire in terms of donations to Goodwill, Tobiczyk said. However, the influx of cold weather has had a significant impact on Goodwill’s inventory.

“Our donations reduce almost by 50 percent to the point where, during certain winter seasons, clothing goes right to the sales racks,” Tobiczyk said.

The drive assists Goodwill in their mission to provide employment opportunities and serve the communities in which they operate, said Tobiczyk. The gently used clothing the Girl Scouts are collecting over the month will be sent to local stores.

“Goodwill’s mission is to help people experience the power of work,” Tobiczyk said. “The dollars we are able to generate funds our mission.”

The partnership between Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania began decades ago.

They first partnered to do the Give A Little Love Clothing Drive more than 20 years ago, though they haven’t done it consistently every year.

Even though the initiative lasts through February, Tobiczyk has yet to see any donations personally.

“We expect to see Girl Scouts delivering donations in the next weeks,” Tobiczyk said.

More 170 Girl Scouts in Southwestern Pennsylvania are participating in the clothing drive and taking the collection of gently used clothing very seriously, said Tobiczyk.

“The girls involved really do a successful job,” he said.

The Girl Scouts are learning about those who are benefitting from the clothing collection, and will earn a community service patch from Goodwill for their participation.

This partnership benefits both organizations said Tobiczyk. The Girl Scouts earn a badge and benefit a cause, which allows  Goodwill of southwestern Pennsylvania to continue to execute their mission in local communities.

“We’re thrilled to work with the Girl Scouts, they’re a wonderful organization,” Tobiczyk said. “We’re just so happy to work with them.”