Merrimack Premium Outlets, The Mall at Rockingham Park, Pheasant Lane Mall, Mall of New Hampshire,  Kittery Premium Outlets and  Lee Premium Outlets are proud to host a back-to-school denim drive, “Do Good with Denim,” in collaboration with Catie’s Closet from July 25 to September 23. During this busy back-to-school season, the New Hampshire malls invite shoppers to drop off new or gently used denim-exclusive clothing to benefit local students facing poverty, homelessness and other crises, giving them access to free clothing.

Each mall has a designated donation station where visitors can snap a selfie to share on social media with the hashtag #DoGoodWithDenim after donating jeans, jean jackets, jean shirts, jean skirts, etc. Donating shoppers can enjoy special discounts at participating retailers including Aeropostale, Lucky, Zumiez.

“Simon is so proud to partner with such an amazing organization like Catie’s Closet who takes such pride in making our local children feel confident, and ultimately helps to break the cycle of poverty,” says Linnea Kelliher, Area Director of Marketing for Simon Property Group. “We hope that this partnership will not only impact young lives, but also encourage donors to think about their sustainability efforts when it comes to clothing.”

Catie’s Closet currently serves 75,000 students in 115 schools across Massachusetts and New Hampshire, including 15 New Hampshire schools in Nashua, Hudson and Manchester. By granting children in need with free, discreet, and immediate access to life’s essentials, they have their most basic foundational needs met, paving the way for healing, a boost in confidence and educational success.

“When Simon came to our team with the idea of collaborating on the Denim Drive, we knew this would be an incredible way to help us prepare for the demanding back-to-school season,” says Mickey Cockrell, the CEO and co-founder of Catie’s Closet. “Our families are up against immense challenges as they navigate the rising costs of back-to-school supplies, clothing, and other basic consumer goods. With the community’s support, we can help students get back to school with the essentials they need to succeed this school year.

The goal for the “Do Good with Denim” drive is to collect 1,500 total items, which will support Catie’s Closet’s Fill the Bus goal of collecting 60,000 items.

Simon Property Group is proud to give back to their local communities and the partnership with Catie’s Closet is one of many local community outreach programs.