Elk Grove High School senior Parker Gardner knew he wanted to hold a clothing drive for his Eagle Scout project, but he had no idea that the surrounding neighborhoods in Elk Grove Village would respond so warmly to the idea.
Scouts set up stations to sort through donations.
One big reason, he says, was the beneficiary: WINGS and its mission of assisting survivors of domestic violence, at critical times in their journey.
“Many survivors flee to WINGS with only the clothes on their backs,” says WINGS President and CEO Rebecca Darr. “Within a few hours, WINGS provides clothing and other immediately needed items. Access to clothing is often more than a practical need, it is a powerful tool for confidence and dignity.”
Parker is a member of Boy Scout troop 95, based out of Cristus Victor Lutheran Church in Elk Grove. The first thing he did was to design a flyer about the clothing drive, highlighting WINGS and its mission, before he led Scouts from his troop going door-to-door with the flyers. They returned two weeks later, braving the frigid January temperatures, to collect donations left out on front porches.
Parker Gardner directs Scouts in sorting donations.
“I didn’t know how many clothes to expect, maybe around 250 pounds,” Parker says, “but the clothes just kept coming. In the end, we collected 2,500 pounds of clothes.”
That wasn’t the end, however. Parker and the Scouts from his troop spread out in the fellowship room of Cristus Victor. They set up stations for each Scout to sort donations, from women’s and men’s clothing, to children’s clothes, shoes and outerwear.
“We collected mainly women’s clothes, but a surprising amount of men’s and children’s clothes too,” Parker said. “I was thrilled with the response. I was just so happy to help so many people. I really felt like a made a difference.”
Officials with WINGS say all clothing collected would either be given to survivors or sold at WINGS Resale, which generates revenue that directly funds WINGS essential programs and services. Every item donated, they added, continues to empower survivors on their path toward freedom and stability.
WINGS celebrated its 40th anniversary last year of provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence, and yet its numbers of services provided continues to rise.
Scouts needed a box truck to deliver the 2,500 pounds of clothing to WINGS.
In 2025, the organization served 1,345 survivors of domestic abuse, which was a 12% increase over last year, according to its annual report. The agency also provided 118,761 nights of shelter — an 11% increase over last year — and donated more than $400,000 worth of products to survivors, which was an 8% increase.
Most importantly, its officials say, 95% of survivors served did not return to their abuser upon exiting WINGS’ Safe House or one of its housing programs.
While WINGS’ services have increased, so has its presence in the Northwest suburbs, leading to other Eagle Scout candidates to help out with creative projects. Bruna Srb, who serves as volunteer manager, works with Eagle Scouts and she says their projects are more than a service requirement.
“They are a meaningful investment in the safety, dignity and hope of our adults and children rebuilding their lives after domestic violence,” Srb says. “Whether improving living spaces, organizing essential supplies, organizing a clothing drive or creating child-friendly environments, these projects directly enhance comfort, security and stability to our clients during a critical time of transition.
“The Scout’s leadership and commitment,” she adds, “also inspire others in the community to step forward and serve and be more compassionate.”
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