Charitable Union

Sometimes life comes at us in unexpected, unwanted or tragic ways. From time to time we need someone on whom we can lean. That's why Charitable Union is here. Since 1887 we have helped countless children and families through both good and bad times. We offer clothing for you and your family, free of charge. We offer layettes for the new baby, school clothes, shoes and winter coats for the kids; interview clothing; steel-toed shoes for the job; and household items for the home. We are a program delivery partner of the Greater Battle Creek United Way. Charitable Union's program through United Way is Clothing for Children and Families in Need.

The Charitable Union requires a referral for individuals and their household to shop at Charitable Union client store. Click here to download a copy of the  Client History form.  After you complete the form, fax it to us at 269-966-2535, or bring it with you on your first visit. Along with the Client History, you will need:

• Your Medicaid card, Food Stamp card, or any referral from a Health and Human Service Agency, school, church or business
• Social Security numbers and birthdates for everyone on your card

or you may call 211 Call Center and ask for a referral to Charitable Union:

• Dial 211 on any land phone
• Battle Creek cell phone users dial 269-565-4159
• Other cell phone users dial 800-250-5628

Note: 211 only provides us with the last 4 digits of your Social Security numbers. When you come, please bring the complete Social Security numbers for everyone on your referral.

• Fire victims - will receive clothing in the client store. Families are offered bedding, towels, washcloths, dishes, tableware, pots/pans and personal hygiene products. We recommend clients go to Red Cross first for referral.
• Steel toed shoes - referrals normally come from business or back to work agency
• Work or interview clothing – referral can come from any community agency
• Wedding Attire - Wedding gowns and men's suits are available
• Layettes - birth record from hospital or caseworker
• Funeral clothing – referral can come from any community agency
• Shoes – referral from Battle Creek Public Schools

• Clients are given a Charitable Union shopping card which must be presented at each visit 
• Clients can shop once each calendar month

You must be signed in no later than 1 hour prior to closing to shop.

It is the policy of Charitable Union to close when the Battle Creek Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather. 

*The client store is closed the last Friday of each month for inventory

In addition to the items available in the client store clients receive:

• In August and April school clothing – this includes a new or gently used outfit, one new pair of underwear and two new pair of socks.
• In October we begin handing out winter coats, hats, mittens/gloves and boots and continue through March