HCPS Denim Drive – Turn Jeans Into Jobs While Supporting Local Schools
March 18, 2026A Youth-Oriented, Community-Supporting, Environmentally Friendly Event.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, the leader in helping people with barriers to secure work, is thrilled to host its 10th annual Big Denim Drive for Henrico County Public Schools. This event enables residents of Henrico County and Goodwill to turn jeans into jobs while raising funds for Henrico County Public Schools.
During the Big Denim Drive, schools compete to collect used jeans and other denim items. Goodwill, a 501(C)3 non-profit organization, sells the denim at its retail stores, and proceeds support Goodwill’s on-the-job paid training and career development programs, offered through Goodwill Academy™ of Virginia, for individuals in our local area. These programs serve more than 1,500 job-seekers annually in the Greater Richmond community.
Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia employed more than 200 Henrico County residents in 2025 and operate five retail stores and three donation centers within the county.
The Big Denim Drive also raises awareness of the “greening” of blue jeans that are recycled and repurposed for a worthy cause, and it gives local public schools the ability to win cash prizes for discretionary needs. The event’s educational value is enhanced as the concept of recycle/reuse is highlighted with the 56th anniversary of Earth Day 2026 on April 22nd.
In 2025 alone, Goodwill kept more than 23,000,000 pounds of donated goods from entering Virginia landfills. We strive to re-use, recycle and re-purpose used items for the greater good. Denim not sold in stores is processed by textile recyclers.
School Participation
The Big Denim Drive is for all public elementary, middle, and high schools in Henrico County. All Henrico County Public Schools have the opportunity to participate. The idea is to create incentives within the schools to help promote competitiveness and participation from all.
How it Works
The concept is simple. Students, parents, and school organizations are encouraged to collect denim items. These items are then taken to the designated sites during a specified event period where volunteers are available and will be keeping a running tally. When dropping off, we should be informed which school the jeans are being donated from and the counted amount. At the conclusion, the Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinator will be informed of the winners and will communicate to the schools.
Celebration and Award Distribution
The awards recognize the top three elementary, middle, and high schools for a total of nine cash prizes. The prize levels are $1,000, $750, and $500. Checks are then distributed and used at the winning school’s discretion.
2026 Event Details
- Saturday, 4/25/26, 10am – 2pm:
- The ACE Center at Hermitage, 8350 Hermitage High Blvd., Henrico, VA 23228
- Sunday, 4/26/26, 10am – 2pm:
- Highland Springs High School, 200 S Airport Drive, Highland Springs, VA 23075
