Temple Micah’s first Underwear Drive was held during the High Holy Days in 2000, when we collected approximately 1,500 pairs of new undergarments for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. This simple act of kindness has grown into an extraordinary community tradition since then, providing more than 400,000 essential items—including socks, underwear, and thermal underwear—to those in need. Thank you to those of you who have participated over the past two-plus decades!
Since 2000, Temple Micah has been the sole provider of new underwear for Friendship Place, the premier housing service provider for people experiencing houselessness in the DC region. They count on us to help meet this critical need. Access to clean, new undergarments is a basic necessity that provides comfort, promotes health, and restores dignity. Your donations change people’s lives! In recognition of this enduring partnership, Friendship Place awarded Micah the Benjamin Cooper Partnership in Mission Award in 2015, honoring Micah’s years of dedication and service.
Today, we continue this tradition. Together, we ensure that our neighbors receive these essential items throughout the year and experience the dignity that every person deserves.
Learn more about our partnership with Friendship Place: “It’s So Much More Than Underwear: An Interview with Friendship Place’s Chris Cannedy or watch the video below for an overview of the history with Rabbi Emeritus Daniel G. Zemel.
Questions? Please contact underwear@templemicah.org.
Please join us again this year! Machon Micah students will collect donations on-site during our morning Yom Kippur services at the National United Methodist Church and Temple Micah on Monday, September 21.
Our goal is for 500 of Micah’s nearly 700 households to participate!
If you are not able to bring physical donations, don’t worry! Online donations will be collected September 21 – October 23, 2026. Check back here to access the donation link!