Miami — The homeless will soon go on a “shopping spree” for new and used clothes in September in a nice, color-coded boutique. Your used and new clothes.

Black Celebrity Giving and Joshua’s Heart Foundation will collect personal care items, new and gently used children and teen clothing on Saturday, Aug. 23, at three South Florida locations, which will make up The Giving Boutique 2014. Your items will be cataloged, cleaned and arranged in a boutique setting so homeless youths can enjoy the experience of shopping for well-needed clothes and personal items without the stigma normally attached to living homeless in America – without having to spend a dime.

Black Celebrity Giving Founder Jasmine Crowe said its board decided to dignify giving to the homeless. “In a survey conducted among several homeless teens and homeless families living in both Atlanta, Ga. and Los Angeles, Calif., many spoke of always receiving donations in garbage bags or grocery bags. Though grateful, it made them feel hopeless and unwanted. After careful consideration, our board members asked, ‘how cool would it be if we could give these families and kids a real shopping experience, where items were not thrown on tables or in trash bags, but actually hung up, color coordinated, washed and even new?’” Crowe said. “The ‘Giving Boutique’ provides a homeless shopping experience that is unparalleled to anything these families have ever experienced before.”

At the 2014 Miami giving event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 20, families will shop in a pop-up boutique hosted at the Miami Rescue Mission, 2159 NW First Ct., Miami. The boutique will boast many amenities including: cupcakes, beverages, celebrity sales staff, fitting rooms, furniture and the total overall boutique shopping experience. It is the second such event for the Georgia-based charity.

Last year the boutique traveled to five cities serving over 2,000 homeless.

To donate visit one of the drop off sites 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 23:

Macy’s Miami Beach, 1675 Meridian Ave.

Whole Foods Market Coral Springs, at 810 N. University Dr.

Whole Foods Market Plantation, at 7720 Peters Rd.

Whole Foods Market Boca Raton, 1400 Glades Rd.


Joshua Williams of Joshua’s Heart said that partnering with Black Celebrity Giving allows his charity to address a deserving part of the South Florida population.

“When people think of Joshua’s Heart, they normally think food, but as I grow and the foundation develops our service will continue to evolve to best serve the needs of our communities,” said Joshua Williams. He added, “Although the mission to eliminate hunger remains our primary goal, neglecting the other needs of our beneficiaries is not an option. This will be a great start to the holiday season for many of South Florida homeless youths and families.”