For 40 years, Delivering Good has turned compassion into action—providing brand-new clothing, essentials, and comfort to children, adults, and families experiencing poverty and disaster. 

Born from a Simple but Powerful Question 

In 1985, K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations) was founded after co-founders Karen Bromley, Barbara Toback and Ezra Dabah asked non profit agencies helping kids living below the poverty line a straightforward question: Would you rather receive money or new product? The answer was unanimous: new product. 

For children in foster care, in shelters, or living in poverty, new clothing and toys were unheard of. Receiving something new—something chosen just for them—restored a sense of dignity and hope. Karen, who spent her own early years in foster care, understood this deeply. 

“I knew that giving a child a brand-new coat or a toy could make them feel special,” she recalled. “It could say, you matter.” 

A Parallel Response to Disaster 

Two decades later, in 2005, the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita inspired industry leader Allan Ellinger to act. Watching the news, he realized that while telethons raised money, families needed immediate, tangible help. 

“I was part of a community that had product—clothing, shoes, home goods,” Allan said. “I picked up the phone, called colleagues in the fashion industry, and within days, everyone said, ‘I’m in.’” 

That effort grew into Fashion Delivers, which focused on mobilizing new product for adults impacted by disasters. In its first year, the organization shipped $6 million worth of brand-new goods to the Gulf Coast. 

Coming Together to Do More 

For years, the two organizations worked side by side—K.I.D.S. serving children and families in need, Fashion Delivers responding to disasters with adult apparel and home goods. Their missions were complementary, and in 2014 the two merged, united by a shared belief in the dignity of new product and the power of the industry to respond. 

Two years later, after thoughtful reflection and a collaborative rebrand, they became Delivering Good—a name that opened the door to an even broader range of partnerships, products, and services. 

Heart, Passion, and Partnerships 

From the start, Delivering Good has worked through trusted community partners—local nonprofits that distribute items directly to the people who need them. Donors know exactly where their product goes, ensuring both impact and brand integrity. 

Equally important has been the organization’s insistence on providing new items. Aside from coats in its earliest years, Delivering Good has focused on new clothing and essentials—meeting both practical needs and affirming self-worth. 

As founder Karen Bromley reflects: 

“Delivering Good has always been fueled by heart and passion—people in the industry coming together to make sure families in crisis get what they need most, and that they receive it with dignity.” 

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact 

What began as two grassroots efforts—one sparked by the needs of children in poverty, the other by a call to help disaster survivors—has become a national leader in product philanthropy. 

Delivering Good has: 

As needs grow—whether from disasters, poverty, or housing insecurity—Delivering Good continues to evolve. Innovations like the Basic Comforts Pack ensure families have immediate essentials in times of crisis, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to meet people where they are. 

“We started to solve a problem,” Allan said. “We never imagined we’d still be here 40 years later—more vibrant and needed than ever.” 

Closing Reflection 

Delivering Good has always known that a new coat, a pair of shoes, or a warm blanket is more than just an item—it’s a first step forward. 

It’s not just clothing. It’s a starting point: for healing after a disaster, for showing up at school or work with confidence, for beginning again when everything else has been lost. 

Looking ahead, Matthew Fasciano, President & CEO, shares: 

“Our next chapter is about scale and innovation. We’re building on 40 years of experience to reach more people, respond faster to crises, and ensure that every excess product finds its way to someone who needs it. Our goal is to help improve 50 million lives in the coming years.” 

And Andrea Weiss, Board Chair, adds: 

“The future of Delivering Good is about impact at a scale we’ve never seen before—connecting the power of brands, retailers, manufacturers, and companies with the needs of communities. Together, we’re proving that doing good is not just possible at scale; it’s essential.”