If you're a parent, you probably know how quickly children outgrow their clothes.
One minute, the pants fit perfectly. The next, they're suddenly two inches too short. Shoes that fit at the beginning of the school year are uncomfortable by winter, jackets become too small, and somehow the pile of clothes that no longer fit keeps getting bigger.
Kids grow. That's what they're supposed to do!
But keeping up with those growing bodies can become expensive, especially for families with multiple children or unexpected changes in their household budgets.
And while clothing might seem like a basic need, replacing it throughout the year can put a real strain on a family's finances.
At The KindNest Project, we believe every child deserves to feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for whatever the day brings. That includes having clothes that fit, shoes that are comfortable, and weather-appropriate clothing when the seasons change.
The good news? There are ways to make clothing expenses more manageable, and there are organizations throughout Genesee County that may be able to help.
Let's take a look!
Children Grow Faster Than Our Budgets Sometimes Allow
Children don't necessarily grow according to our shopping schedules or paydays.
A child might need a new pair of shoes unexpectedly. A growth spurt might mean replacing several outfits at once. A change in weather can bring an entirely new list of needs, from winter coats and boots to gloves, hats, and warm pajamas.
For families already managing groceries, housing, childcare, transportation, and other household expenses, clothing can become another difficult expense to fit into the budget.
And it's not just about having something cute to wear. Properly fitting clothing helps children stay warm, participate comfortably in school and activities, and feel confident around their peers.
Sometimes, a little extra help with clothing can make a bigger difference than people realize.
Where to Find Affordable Secondhand Children's Clothing
You don't have to buy everything brand new to make sure your children have what they need. Secondhand stores and children's resale shops can be great places to find gently used clothing, shoes, toys, and baby essentials.
Here are a few places in the Genesee County area worth checking out.
Baby's Best Resale – Flint
Located at 5463 S. Dort Highway in Flint, Baby's Best Resale specializes in baby and children's resale items. It's a place to look for discounted children's clothing and other baby and family essentials.
Once Upon a Child – Flint
Located at G3573 Miller Road in Flint, Once Upon a Child buys and sells gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, and other children's items. Inventory changes, so checking back regularly may help you find what your family needs.
Tiny Tots Clothing Swap – Burton
Located at 5520 E. Atherton Road in Burton, Tiny Tots Clothing Swap offers used children's clothing, toys, and accessories.
Bearly Worn Children's Consignment – Davison
Located at 213 N. Main Street in Davison, Bearly Worn offers children's and preteen clothing, baby equipment, and toys at secondhand prices.
A little shopping tip: Before making a trip, call ahead to ask about current inventory, sizes, pricing, and store hours. Resale inventory changes frequently.
Need Clothing at No Cost? Check Out These Community Resources
For families who need a little more help, there are also community organizations that provide clothing and other necessities at no cost or through assistance programs.
Here are several Genesee County resources to know about.
1. Catholic Charities – Center of Hope Community Closet
Location: 812 Root Street, Flint, MI 48503
Phone: 810-265-7025
The Center of Hope offers a Community Closet with gently used clothing and shoes at no cost for qualifying families. The organization also provides other basic necessities, depending on availability.
Its Community Closet hours are:
Monday: 12 p.m.–3 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Website: https://catholiccharitiesflint.org/new-page-1
2. Crossover Outreach – Flint
Location: 414 W. Court Street, Flint, MI 48503
Phone: 810-234-2479
Crossover Outreach provides clothing, cleaning supplies, personal care items, household essentials, and warm winter coats.
Clothing assistance is available Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Please note that a referral from an approved community organization and proof of children living in the household are required for certain services. Clothing assistance is generally available once every 60 days.
Website: https://www.crossoveroutreach.org/daily-services.html
3. Little Lambs Closet
Little Lambs Closet, through Little Lamb's Compassionate Ministry Center, offers children's clothing from newborn through size 6X–juniors, depending on donations and availability.
Items may include:
Children's clothing
Coats and jackets
Shoes and boots
Blankets
School uniforms
Diapers
Maternity clothing
Other baby and child essentials
Phone: 810-732-1737
Parking lot pickup is available by appointment. Call ahead to ask about current inventory and how to arrange assistance.
4. Project Thirty6 Food Pantry & Clothing Closet
Location: 1116 W. Hill Road, Flint, MI 48507
Phone: 810-232-2674
Operating through Hillside Church, Project Thirty6 offers a food pantry and clothing closet. Its clothing resources may be helpful for families looking for gently used clothing and everyday necessities.
Call ahead to confirm distribution hours and current availability.
5. Outreach East – Davison
Outreach East is a year-round emergency resource center serving the eastern side of Genesee County.
The organization offers assistance with food, clothing, and other basic needs. Families can begin by completing its application for client services.
Website: https://www.outreacheast.org/apply-online-for-assistance/
Phone: 810-653-7711
Contact the organization to confirm its current clothing availability and service requirements.
Looking for a Free Winter Coat?
As Michigan temperatures drop, finding a warm coat becomes more than just a clothing expense. It's a necessity.
If your child needs a winter coat, here are two upcoming opportunities in Flint.
Catholic Charities Kids Coat Giveaway
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Center of Hope, 812 Root Street, Flint
Catholic Charities has announced a Kids Coat Giveaway. Families are asked to bring their child or the child's birth certificate to receive a coat.
Call 810-265-7025 or visit https://catholiccharitiesflint.org/ for event details.
Carriage Town Ministries Winter Warm-Up
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
Location: 605 Garland Street, Flint, MI 48503
Carriage Town Ministries is hosting its Winter Warm-Up giveaway for individuals and families who could use some extra warmth.
Items available include:
Winter coats
Hats
Gloves
Boots
No preregistration is required according to the event announcement.
For questions, call 810-233-8787.
Important: These are scheduled community events, and supplies may be limited. Please confirm details before traveling.
More Places to Find Clothing Assistance
If you are outside Flint or need help finding a resource closer to home, there are a couple of additional ways to search.
Michigan 211
Michigan 211 can help connect families with local clothing closets, winter clothing assistance, thrift shops, children's clothing programs, and other basic-needs services.
Visit: https://mi211.org/clothing-and-household-goods
You can search by location and type of assistance needed.
Genesee County Community Resource Directory
The Great Start Collaborative and Genesee Intermediate School District also share information about family resources, including clothing and diaper assistance.
Visit: https://gsc.geneseeisd.org/cms/One.aspx?pageId=109660285&portalId=76722602
Have Clothes Your Children Have Outgrown? Someone Else May Need Them.
Now let's talk about the other side of growing out of clothes.
If you've ever opened a closet and found bags of clothing your children no longer wear, you know how quickly those items can add up.
Before throwing everything away, consider whether someone else could use them.
Gently used clothing can make a meaningful difference for another family.
Consider donating:
Clean shirts, pants, and everyday outfits.
Gently used coats and jackets.
Shoes in wearable condition.
Pajamas and seasonal clothing.
Baby and toddler clothing.
Hats, gloves, and other weather essentials.
Before donating, check with the organization about what items they currently accept, which sizes are needed, and any condition requirements.
One family's outgrown clothing could become another child's much-needed outfit.
Let's Make Helping Families a Little Easier
At The KindNest Project, we believe supporting families means recognizing that everyday needs matter.
Diapers, wipes, baby supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and other household essentials all play a role in helping families care for their children.
Sometimes the biggest difference comes from something simple: a bag of clothing in the right size, a warm coat before winter, or a pair of shoes that finally fits.
We also believe that asking for assistance should never be something a parent feels ashamed of. Every family experiences seasons when a little extra support can help.
If your family needs assistance, we encourage you to explore the resources available through The KindNest Project.
Explore the KindNest Resource Library:
https://www.kindnestproject.org/visit-resources
Request Assistance:
https://www.kindnestproject.org/application
A Little Community Challenge
This week, we want to encourage everyone to take a look through their children's closets.
Are there gently used clothes, shoes, or coats your children have outgrown?
Consider setting aside a bag to donate to a local clothing closet, school, church, or community organization that accepts clothing donations.
And if your family is the one needing a little extra help right now, remember that there is no shame in reaching out.
We would love to hear from our community:
What is one children's clothing item you feel like you are constantly replacing?
Share your answer in the comments. You might be surprised how many other parents are experiencing the exact same thing!
Because children are going to keep growing, and families deserve support along the way.
— The KindNest Project
Stronger Families. Brighter Tomorrows.