About Us

The Story of Spreading Threads Clothing Bank

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide gently used and new clothes and items to foster, foster families, kinship families and foster children living in group homes in southern Arizona in order to decrease their financial burden and provide clothes that children feel good wearing.

Our Motto

Foster Dignity in Southern Arizona’s Foster Children

Diversity Policy

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are central to Spreading Threads Clothing Bank’s purpose, providing gently used and new clothes and items to foster, foster families, kinship families and foster children living in group homes in Southern Arizona. DE&I is fundamental to this work and is of the utmost importance in improving the lives of foster children in Southern Arizona.

Spreading Thread’s work directly challenges and seeks to change the practices, norms, and structures that create or perpetuate past, present, and future inequities among foster children. Spreading Threads interactions with all foster children and caregivers is based on respect and dignity because we know that how we work with foster children can affect their feelings of inclusion and equity in the community. We understand that many foster children have experienced discrimination in various forms and, therefore, we continuously reflect on who we serve and how we need to evolve to meet the needs of the community knowing that growth is continuous.

Spreading Threads stands with others for equity and justice and in denouncing racism, intolerance, and exclusion. We have been on a path of exploration to identify how to build the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all our nonprofit’s operations, as well as model those values as we advance our mission. Finally, we believe that embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as organizational values is a way to intentionally make space for positive outcomes to flourish, whether in direct services or in nonprofit capacity building.

How Spreading Threads Began

Spreading Threads Clothing Bank was started as a grassroots, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit clothing bank based in Tucson, Arizona, with the purpose of providing free clothing to youth in foster care in Pima County and Southern Arizona. Launched in 2018, Spreading Threads Clothing Bank was founded by Michele Wright and Michele Bennett, two women who have fostered and adopted several children in Southern Arizona.

Wright and Bennett began Spreading Threads after the State of Arizona cut benefits to foster children and their foster families. The two women saw a need to give foster children some dignity and wanted them to feel good in their own skin. With new, clean clothes, shoes, and school supplies, foster children can attend school feeling like they have a more level playing field.

Since its inception, Spreading Threads has assisted thousands of children and families in Pima County and Southern Arizona with obtaining the clothing and supplies needed for day-to-day living as well as for school, church, and special events. They have performed countless emergency pulls, day and night, for children who have entered the foster care system with little to nothing in terms of clothing, school supplies, books and toys.

Meet Our Board of Directors

As a nonprofit community clothing bank, Spreading Threads relies heavily on volunteer support. Our Board of Directors helps to keep our 501(c)(3) on track by making financial decisions, pursuing and obtaining sponsorships, organizing clothing bank events, and processing donations. Learn about our amazing and giving board members below.

Michele Wright
Executive Director and Cofounder

Michele Wright was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Her family relocated to Arizona when she was 13 years old. After graduating from Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Wright attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Biology. She really liked the feel of Tucson so stayed in the area after college.

In 1997, Wright met Michele Bennett, her wife, through mutual friends. The two started growing their family by fostering children beginning in 2003. The couple adopted their first child in 2004 and added three more in 2007, 2010, and 2020. It was during their time as foster parents that Wright realized how few resources were available for foster children and the families caring for them. Additionally, the annual clothing stipend for a child in foster care in the State of Arizona was reduced from $300 to $150, which is where it remains today.

“I often saw foster kids wearing clothes that didn’t fit and they didn’t look comfortable” said Wright. “Foster kids have so many things that they are burdened with and having a shirt on their back shouldn’t be one of them. I felt like a clothing bank was something that our community could do for them. They have as much right to dignity as the rest of us.”

Wright started reaching out to foster licensing agencies and other foster organizations to get the word out about Spreading Threads Clothing Bank as a resource. She had to convince them that she was operating a trustworthy organization for foster children and families that had no strings attached.

“I reached out to anyone who had involvement with foster care and foster families to let them know they could tell their families that we were here,” Wright added. “It took a lot of time to get to know these folks and get them to understand that they could trust me. I really wanted them to communicate that to their families. I want these agencies to be able to refer their families to us and know that they will get what they need and it won’t be a waste of their time.”

Additionally, Wright joined other foster organizations to further educate herself about the law and needs of modern foster families of all kinds. She became a member of the Foster Care Review Board which allowed her to ask questions of foster families to determine what they really needed.

“One of the best ways to learn is to just listen to the people that are involved in the system,” Wright said of launching Spreading Threads Clothing Bank. “I want them to tell me what their struggles are. We need continuous feedback channels or we end up using the same format over and over again. Whatever we did, I knew it would have to be fluid and flexible.”

For Wright, the best part of volunteering her time to operate Spreading Threads is giving people the sense that someone cares while connecting them with other community resources. She said the biggest gift she has received through her work is creating human connections through Spreading Threads.

“One of the greatest things about this is seeing the foster families connect and share ideas and have that sense of belonging because you can feel very isolated,” said Wright. “This really brings people together. It’s a safe place where they can interact with foster parents that are licensed by other agencies. There are very few venues where we can get together, talk, share ideas, and support each other.”

In her spare time, Wright said she enjoys cooking, baseball and making people laugh.

“I really rejoice in sharing different venues and events where people can enjoy other people,” Wright said.

Michele Bennett
President and Cofounder

Michele Bennett cofounded Spreading Threads Clothing Bank two years ago with her wife, Michele Wright. The two have fostered and adopted four children and realized through their personal experience how badly foster children and foster families needed support.

When the two women took on a baby girl (now their daughter) with very little notice, they were not prepared for a baby. The two quickly recognized that the $150 annual clothing stipend from the state wasn’t going to cover all of the needs of a growing baby from clothes and diapers to wipes, toys, and a crib. Their neighbors pitched in to help them gather everything they needed for their “instant” daughter. That’s when the two Micheles brainstormed the idea of a clothing bank just for foster children and their families, thus, Spreading Threads Clothing Bank was born.

“We went into this to grow our family,” said Bennett of becoming foster parents. “Some of these people don’t. Some of them are grandparents on social security who aren’t working that are now raising three grandchildren unexpectedly. Unless they are foster licensed by the state, they  get paid very little so they need as much support as they can get.”

Originally from California, Bennett moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She now works for the Tucson Unified School District as a nurse. Bennett loves both children and animals. Her hobbies including reading and watching her children participate in swim team activities. She has served as president of the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank Board of Directors since its inception and volunteers her time at the clothing bank on an ongoing basis with her wife.

Pat Hernandez
Vice President

Since the launch of Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, Tucson native Pat Hernandez served as the secretary for the board of directors until February 2024 when she took over the role of Vice President.

Hernandez met Michele Bennett nearly 20 years ago as they work together for TUSD. As a school health assistant with two grown children and two grandchildren of her own, children hold a special place in Hernandez’s heart.

Over the last 25 years of working in schools, Hernandez has seen many foster children enroll and move through TUSD. She also watched as her brother completed a kinship placement for her nephew. Through these experiences and her work with Bennett, she became aware of how much support is needed by foster children and their families and how little assistance there really is for them.

Hernandez became involved with Spreading Threads when she was discussing the clothing bank’s launch with Bennett. As a Spanish speaker who can also read and write Spanish, Hernandez has been able to assist with translation at times for some of the children and families using Spreading Threads Clothing Bank as a resource. She has also attended a couple of the clothing exchange events and has helped the clothing bank relocate twice.

“I enjoy helping provide a service that wasn’t there before Spreading Threads started,” said Hernandez. “It makes the children, parents, and kinship parents feel at ease that we understand the situation they are in. Spreading Threads is there for the unexpected as children grow and weather changes and they need more clothes. It’s a valuable resource and they are really filling a need. They also make sure the clothing is nice, too.”

Outside of her work and volunteer efforts with Spreading Threads, Hernandez enjoys time with her family, participating in community events, and being outdoors. She also volunteers her time on the Student Wellness Advisory Team (SWAT) at the school where she works to teach students and their families about proper nutrition and getting enough exercise. Additionally, she helps in the school’s garden.

Teri DuBayTerry DuBay
Secretary

Born in Minneapolis, Terry DuBay spent her childhood growing up in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1976, she and a dear friend decided they were tired of the cold and humidity of the Midwest so the two headed to Phoenix where DuBay lived for 10 years before relocating to Tucson.

“I fell in love with Arizona from the day I got here, and I just stayed,” said DuBay.

In 1999, DuBay met Michele Wright, who would one day become the co-founder and executive director of Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, a nonprofit clothing bank for foster and adoptive children living in Tucson and Southern Arizona. The two worked together at a local commercial furniture distributor in Tucson and the two women struck up a friendship that would lead Wright and her wife, Michele Bennett, to a path of lifelong giving.

“Michele and her wife were talking about having children,” said DuBay, who had adopted her own daughter, Diane, through the Arizona foster care system. “I was a single parent when I adopted Diane. I encouraged them to get involved with the foster care system because there are so many children that need homes. They ended up adopting four!”

As the women worked together and experienced life as foster/adoptive parents, they became best friends, according to DuBay. Both eventually left their jobs as Wright set out to launch the nonprofit Spreading Threads Clothing Bank with her wife to support the needs of foster children and the families who support them while DuBay went on in her career to become a contract furniture manufacturer’s representative.

Though the two went their separate ways professionally, they have stayed close over the years. In January 2024, the position of secretary became available on the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank Board of Directors. Wright reached out to her friend, DuBay, who jumped at the chance to do more for foster children in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

“I am just so proud of her (Wright) for starting this organization,” DuBay said. “I have volunteered as much as I could over the years from time to time. When this board opportunity became available, Michele asked if I wanted to do it and I said, ‘Absolutely!’”

DuBay is now the secretary for the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank Board of Directors. Her duties include keeping meeting minutes during board of directors’ meetings, handling Spreading Threads records, and assisting at Spreading Threads Clothing Bank events.

“I am so excited that I will be able to work with Terry again,” said Wright about having DuBay join the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank Board of Directors. “She was inspirational in supporting our journey through fostering and adopting our own children and we know she has a special place in her heart for foster children as she adopted her own daughter. Terry is an excellent addition to our board and will help us in our mission of supporting foster children and the families who care of them right here in Tucson.”

DuBay said she is excited to be joining the board where she wants to help grow the organization and make a positive impact on the lives of foster children living in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

“I am just thrilled to be able to help again and make a difference for all of those kids out there. Both Micheles have done an incredible job of growing Spreading Threads Clothing Bank. Anything I can do to help grow the organization and help kids is what I want to do.”

DuBay wants people to know that Spreading Threads Clothing Bank is an incredible charitable organization where they can donate or volunteer their time while giving back to the most vulnerable in our community, foster children.

“Spreading Threads fills such a need and gap in the foster care system. It is really difficult to get aid and support for foster kids. When Michele created this clothing bank, it took a huge burden off the foster care parents. Things are so expensive so it is really nice that they can go get new shoes, undies, toys, and books and the kids love going there. It is really a gift, the way I look at it.”

When she is not working or volunteering her time with Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, DuBay enjoys creating mosaic art, hiking, and working her back yard gardening and growing succulents. She also enjoys spending time with her family, including the fun of being with her grandchildren.

Sharon Bennett
Member at Large

Sharon Bennett became involved with Spreading Threads Clothing Bank through an invitation from her daughter and cofounder, Spreading Threads President Michele Bennett. Despite living in California, Sharon Bennett serves as a Member at Large for the Spreading Threads Board of Directors. When the clothing bank was getting off the ground, Sharon Bennett and her other daughter would scour local garage sales in California for clothing that was in good shape at reasonable prices to ship to Tucson.

As a semi-retired bookkeeper and grandparent to four foster children, Sharon Bennett was an ideal match for the responsibilities of the Member at Large role. When her daughter asked her to join the board, Sharon Bennett gladly accepted.

“I like to be useful,” said Sharon Bennett, who wanted to support her daughter. “At my age in life, you realize what is most important like people. Volunteering is really healthy for you.”

As a Member at Large for Spreading Threads, Sharon Bennett assists with volunteer events whenever possible. In addition to her work and efforts for Spreading Threads, she also volunteers her time at St. Anthony’s church preparing meals and enjoys exercising such as walking. She also was invited to join a book club with Michele and her grandchildren which she enjoys. Sharon Bennett said she loves having the children read to her online and staying connected with them. She also participates in a book club for adults as well.

Carmelita Galvan
Member at Large

A charitable heart, a love of children, and a calling to give back to her community led Carmelita Galvan to join the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank Board of Directors in January 2026.

When her youngest daughter was in 7th grade, Galvan and her daughter joined the National Charity League. As a mother-daughter philanthropic organization, it required a six-year commitment to volunteer throughout the community.

“You start when your child is in 7th grade, and the commitment goes through their senior year,” Galvan said. “You then have a celebration their senior year. We have volunteered together as part of the organization at Beads of Courage, the Pima Animal Care Center (PAAC), the Diaper Bank, the Gospel Rescue Mission, Sister José Women’s Center, St. Luke’s Home, and the Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter.”

Last summer, the National Charity League added Spreading Threads Clothing Bank as one of its approved philanthropies to support. That’s when Carmelita and her daughter learned about Spreading Threads and they immediately wanted to help.

“We met the Micheles (Michele Wright and Michele Bennett), and we love what they are doing for foster children and the foster community, and we wanted to be a part of that,” said Galvan. “We love seeing the foster children. It quickly became one of our favorite charities.”

Galvan and her daughter began volunteering at Spreading Threads in the fall of 2025 and that led to her joining the board as a member at large at the start of 2026. She said the excitement of what is happening at Spreading Threads Clothing Bank is palpable.

“One of my biggest joys is seeing my daughter connect with the kids. Seeing her shine with these kids; I love to see her in action,” Galvan said. “Being able to do this together is very rewarding. Now I have a granddaughter who is starting to get into volunteering, and I am enjoying that as well. It’s really becoming a family affair.”

Working with children in need has a special place in Galvan’s heart. Her family has a small nonprofit of its own that was started by her nephew, who spent time in foster care. Galvan’s family gathers donations and puts in their own funds to give backpacks to children in the community.

“We need to give back and make sure these kids don’t go without, whether it’s for school, Christmas, or Easter,” said Galvan. “We grew up with five siblings and as a large family, there were things we couldn’t do. You see families that are doing the best they can, but sometimes they fall a little short. The world can be cruel. I just feel like kids shouldn’t go without the little things. I want them to be confident going to school. Little things like a new backpack can make a difference for a child. Seeing what the Micheles are doing at Spreading Threads just warms my heart.”

One of the things Spreading Threads does for visiting foster children is allows them to spin the “Wheel of Fortune.” Based on their spin, visiting foster children can pick a small prize of their choice. Galvan said that is one of her favorite volunteer jobs at the clothing bank.

“We are talking Dollar Tree items, but the kids are so excited to choose something,” she said. “The smallest toy can make their day. They are so happy and I love seeing that joy.”

Galvan wanted to be a greater part of that joy herself, so she volunteered to sit on the Spreading Threads board.

“I am constantly online looking for deals to get more items for Spreading Threads,” said Galvan. “This is going to be my National Charity League retirement job. Now that is over, I want to commit my time to this organization.”

Family and faith are also incredibly important to Galvan. She said she and her husband now have four children and three grandchildren. They often host family gatherings at their home, including events for all the major holidays. She also pitches in caring for her grandchildren, helping with drop-off and pickup duties, and childcare responsibilities. Her family also attends Mount Zion Luthern Church, where they feel everyone is welcome and there is no judgement.

Additionally, Galvan has a full-time career in the banking industry and enjoys cooking, baking, and canning her own jams and jellies. She also likes to attend musicals at the University of Arizona with her daughter. Galvan and her husband love music so they also attend concerts and go dancing whenever they have the opportunity.

“You have to find goodness and be part of that,” Galvan said of her volunteer work, time with family, and attendance at church. “We want to be part of something that lifts others and brings joy.”

Sandy LaRowe
Member at Large

Sandy LaRowe has served as the Business Development and Outreach Lead for Spreading Threads Clothing Bank since its inception but took on the role of Member at Large on the Board of Directors in February 2024.

LaRowe said she has always wanted to become more involved in volunteering for a nonprofit organization, but her work schedule always seemed to get in the way. Now, the Portland, Oregon, native who has more than 25 years of experience in the apparel and footwear industry has made the time to volunteer for Spreading Threads.

“I was exposed to Spreading Threads and I wanted to see if my work in the apparel and footwear industry could add some benefit and relief to these families that are in need,” said LaRowe. “During the pandemic, I got to see it first-hand. I did a lot of volunteering, and I had the opportunity to help with emergency clothing pulls and saw how the children were impacted. I got to see how Spreading Threads helped these children achieve some dignity and grace and how my contacts in the corporate world might be able to help bring these children items so they could feel special, dignified, and strong and understand that people care for them.”

As the new Business Development and Outreach Lead for Spreading Threads, LaRowe will be reaching out to firms to donate new garments and footwear for children in need. After so many years as head of product and product creation for name-brand companies such as Nike and Adidas, LaRowe is really hoping to make a connection for the benefit of foster children in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

LaRowe, who has a Masters in International Business from Thunderbird in Glendale, AZ, said she has been able to help gather donations, organize space at Spreading Threads, and aided in locating space through a commercial real estate broker. Additionally, she has been working with Spreading Threads to make purchases across the web on deeply discounted items that will support the needs of foster children and families who turn to the clothing bank for assistance.

“I see the smile on the kid’s faces and just being able to give them some joy, even during difficult times, is so rewarding,” said LaRowe.

In her spare time, LaRowe enjoys the great outdoors through hiking and biking. She also likes spinning on her Peloton bike at home. Whenever she has the opportunity, LaRowe also spends time with German speakers as she is fluent in the language and doesn’t want her German to get rusty.

Meet Our Staff

Anna Phillips
Inventory and Data Manager

Having known both Micheles for years, Phillips was excited for the opportunity to become a part of the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank family. She met Michele Bennett in college, and she distinctly remembers the discussion about starting a clothing bank.

Phillips said she and her husband were inspired to foster and adopt after watching the two women work through their own foster experience. The couple has fostered five children over the years and adopted two of them in addition to having one biological child of their own. As foster parents, Phillips and her husband were aware of the cuts to the clothing stipend being made by the State of Arizona and the need for extra help for foster children and the families caring for them.

As the former Vice President for the Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, Phillips collected donations from friends and acquaintances and volunteered her time at the clothing bank whenever possible. In addition to parenting and volunteering her time, Phillips works outside of the home preparing taxes for a local accountant. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, photography, and cooking.

One of the things Phillips most enjoys about being involved with Spreading Threads Clothing Bank is that she gets to see clearly how the nonprofit benefits foster children and foster families.

“It’s really neat to go to the events and actually talk to the foster parents coming in,” said Phillips. “I have heard them tell stories about how Spreading Threads really does help them. I have seen letters and cards from people the organization has helped. It’s really very connected to the people that are benefiting as opposed to other charities where you don’t see where your money or donations are going. It makes you really feel connected and like you’re making a difference.”

Additionally, Phillips expressed deep respect for Michele Wright who has inspired her in so many ways on a personal level.

“Michele is so passionate about what she does. She’s a connector. She brings people together. Through Spreading Threads, she stays connected to the foster care community and tells me about connection after connection she is involved in. She makes things happen. She is just somebody who makes lives better. I am a better person because I know her, and it feels really good to be involved in anything she is doing. I love being a part of Spreading Threads for that reason. It’s really extraordinary.”

After years of volunteer work with Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, Phillips has become a member of the staff where she serves as the Inventory and Data Manager. She handles the inventory so the clothing bank knows what they need to restock so foster children and the families that support them can always try to have what they need on hand. Phillips also handles data management for Spreading Threads’ records as well as for grant applications.

Dagny Phillips
The Story Behind Our Logo

One of the children that was fostered and adopted by Anna Phillips and her husband is Dagny Phillips. The couple adopted her when she was just a year old and she has grown up feeling lucky to have found her forever family.

Dagny loves creating art and drawing. When she was just 12, Wright approached her about creating a logo for Spreading Threads Clothing Bank and Dagny jumped at the chance to pitch in.

“My mom and I just sat down and she was talking about what the name of the organization was and what it was all about,” recalls Dagny. “I came up with the idea of expressing the words with art. I thought about thread so I included a spool of thread. There’s stuff hanging from the thread, like little hangers and beads. Then I came up with the hearts to express the love that went into this clothing bank. The two Micheles were wanting to do this for a long time and they love their kids. I wanted to include that thought in the image.”

Dagny, who also donates her clothes to Spreading Threads Clothing Bank, said she feels good about being able to contribute to Spreading Threads in any way she can.

“It just makes me really happy to know that they are helping other kids that have it worse off than I do or those that are struggling,” Dagny said. “Spreading Threads has become a real business where kids can feel welcome. We love the Micheles. They are family to us.”

While Dagny still enjoys art, she has begun pursuing other interests as well. She plays the violin, soccer, and tennis. She is looking forward to moving on to high school in the fall of 2020 as well. Dagny said she will be joining her high school orchestra and also plans to take early childhood education so she can work with preschoolers.