How Hand Me Forward Works
We handle matching, preliminary logistics, and introductions. Families handle the clothing handoff.
Good clothes. A new childhood.
Hand Me Forward is a proximity-based clothing exchange pipeline. Instead of listing individual items, families complete a short profile and let us find someone nearby whose child can use their hand-me-downs.
Step 1: Create one family profile
Tell us your child’s birth month/year, current clothing size, clothing style and the colors they look best in. Add your contact details and private address so we can match people in convenient locations. Choose give, receive, or both.
Step 2: We find the match
When a family has at least one bag of wearable clothing ready, we look for a compatible recipient who needs that size. We prioritize the clothing fit, nearby location, practical exchanges, and families needing extra help. Color preferences are optional, not a requirement.
Step 3: Each family confirms
Both families get a private match invitation. Only after both accept do we send an email introduction with their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and city/ZIP. We do not automatically share home addresses.
Step 4: Arrange a simple handoff
The two families text or email each other directly to choose a pickup/drop-off time and exchange location. Porch pickup is welcome; a public meeting spot is fine too. No socializing required.
Step 5: Keep it moving
As clothes are outgrown, offer the clean, wearable pieces back to the pipeline. No one-to-one trade, minimum return, or immediate donation is required from someone who joins as a receiver.
What you handle: preparing a usable bag and coordinating the actual pickup or drop-off with your match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give clothes to receive?
No. You may join as a receiver. When your child eventually outgrows clothing that’s still usable, we invite you to pass it forward.
Is this a marketplace?
No. There are no listings, prices, purchases, or item-by-item photos. Participating clothes are given freely.
What if I don’t want to make friends with my match?
You don’t have to. The goal is a low-effort exchange, not a required social relationship.
Who pays for pickup?
Families arrange their own pickup or drop-off. Hand Me Forward does not currently provide drivers, shipping, storage, or transportation.
Does Hand Me Forward operate everywhere?
We’re starting with Columbus, Ohio, and hope to expand city by city as local participation grows.
Do matches happen immediately?
No. The timing depends on whether a nearby family offers clothing in the right size. We don’t guarantee availability.