Graciela Ortega discovered first-hand how hospital psychiatric clinics can sometimes dehumanize patients when she was forced to wear thin, uncomfortable scrubs due to lack of available clothing donations. Refusing to let others endure the same loss of comfort and dignity, she founded Comfort for Recovery, an organization dedicated to helping patients feel supported and cared for during their healing journey.
The clothing drive and recycling service delivers donated clothes to psychiatric hospitals around the Bay Area, providing physical comfort to those recovering from trauma and mental health challenges. The process they developed is simple: clothing is accepted by drop-off or pick-up at no cost to the donors. Once acquired, they get sorted, and any items that don’t meet safety concerns are given away to the Cancer Society Discovery shops in Oakland—ensuring all donations stay out of local landfills.
“We are looking for loose-fitting clothing like simple T-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies, or crew necks with removable drawstrings, and PJs are fine,” explains Graciela. “Things that are not allowed inside psychiatric hospitals are leggings, revealing clothing like tank tops or cropped tops, jeans, or anything with zippers.”
What began as Graciela’s personal mission soon grew into a team effort when three friends stepped up to help support the growing endeavor—all are 17 years old and will be seniors this coming August.
Arabella took on the role of Transportation Manager and coordinates the collection and delivery of donations. Hazel is the Website Manager and Data Coordinator—she keeps track of all inventory. Muriel has taken over the role of Social Media and Design Manager.
Muriel Dekker, Hazel Arrowsmith, Arabella Graham, Graciela Ortega (pictured left to right, top to bottom)
Arabella, born and raised in Oakland, noted that, “the main hospital of focus is Fremont Hospital, which has had a lack of donations for years. Our mission is to support these hospitals by giving them clothing that makes patients feel human, cared for, and comfortable. No one can really mentally recovery without physical comfort. I believe that as a community, we can make a true difference.”
For those interested in donating, visit Comfort for Recovery’s website; email comfort4recovery@gmail.com, or call (510) 872-2157.
