Why I started ParentKind, and what we're really trying to do.
Three years ago, I decided to only buy used clothes for my two kids. I wanted to make a small difference—less waste, something I could actually control.
I didn't realize how hard it would be. I was driving across town to three different consignment shops and still couldn't keep up. Parents know what it's like to buy online and have it on their doorstep two days later. Why can't buying used kids' clothes work the same way?
When I tried to bring clothes in to sell, I'd leave with my bin two-thirds full—most of it turned away. Then I'd have to decide whether to donate the rest to Goodwill. This system is not built for working parents.
ParentKind exists to make the right choice the easy choice.
I'm Ryan, and I started this because I care deeply about what happens to all those clothes—the environmental cost of kids' fashion is real, and it's largely invisible. But I also kept seeing something else: our schools are underfunded in ways that affect kids every single day, and the parents who care most about fixing that are the same ones who are already stretched thin.
So I put those two problems together. Donate your kids' outgrown clothes, and we'll turn them into real funding for your school—without any extra effort on your part.
The response from families at my local elementary school has been everything. I can't wait to bring this to more communities, and to make ParentKind a genuine source of connection, purpose, and maybe just a little less stress for the families who need it.
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch to confirm a pickup time. No need to sort or fold—just bag it up and leave it on your porch. Porch pickup is currently available within our SE Portland service area. If you're not sure whether you're in range, fill out the form and we'll let you know.