We’ve been getting requests from people looking for places where they can donate unwanted clothing. The City has an online database for disposal, recycling and donation options in the area, including clothing donations. We have compiled clothing donation options in the West Philadelphia area in the list below (if you know of more options, please let our readers know in the comments below).

If you have some unwanted professional clothes that you want to donate, check out Career Wardrobe, an organization that helps people looking for jobs look more presentable during interviews. They accept donations of clothing, footwear, accessories, and toiletries at their drop-off locations in Spring Garden and in Lansdowne, Pa. Click here for more info.  Continue Reading

A Route 15 trolley decorated for the holidays. (Photo courtesy of SEPTA)

SEPTA  will suspend 15 trolley service beginning Sunday, Jan. 26 for 12 to 18 months due to ongoing trolley car maintenance issues and road projects. Bus service will be offered during this time, according to SEPTA.

Most of the 73-year-old Route 15 trolleys are aging fast, according to SEPTA. Only four out the 18 cars used on the route are in good working order. The 18 historic green-and-tan cars were rebuilt during the first Route 15 trolley service suspension (due to budget cuts), which lasted from 1992 until 2005.

Route 15 serves over 8,200 riders each day, according to SEPTA.

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The Sanctuary Jam: A Philadelphia First: At St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Hamilton Village (3916 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104) is open to both Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania students and musicians.

Visit with us and hear the best of the universities instructors in jazz, and if you play an instrument you’re invited to sit in. Come on West Philly support Jazz in all its Glory…FREE PIZZA – GREAT MUSIC – NO CHARGE.

And yes we know that February 2nd is Super Bowl Sunday! Jazz in the afternoon, football in the evening! A great day for all!  Continue Reading

Construction has begun on a new 8-story apartment building at the former parking lot on the southwest corner of 49th and Spruce. The building will include 150 residential units from the first through seventh floors and a roof deck on the eighth floor. The project also includes 41 parking spaces and 63 bicycle spaces on the ground floor.  Continue Reading

A new bagel shop inspired by sojourns to legendary Manhattan shops like H&H and Zabar’s has opened in the Powelton neighborhood last week.

Brothers Brett and Kyle Frankel opened Bart’s Bagels at 3945 Lancaster Ave. The shop was recently featured on 6ABC news. The brothers grew up in Philadelphia and reportedly often visited their uncle in New York where they were bit by the bagel bug, according to the report.

The new shop includes a kitchen, and all bagels (about a dozen varieties!) are handmade on-site, according to the report. Meats are also roasted on-site. The shop also serves schmears and sandwiches. Continue Reading

Philadelphia is getting ready to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20 with a bunch of events, activities and volunteer projects. Some began earlier this week and will be held throughout this and next month, like the MLK Jr. Sermon Discussion Group at Mosaic Community Church (123 S. 51st St).

Check out some events and volunteer opportunities in West and Southwest Philly below. Also visit the MLK Day of Service and the University City District websites for more events and volunteer projects in the area.

MLK Day Events at UPenn

• A Community Beautification Project will take place on Monday, Jan. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will work on service projects at the following sites: Mitchell Weir Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, Antioch Home School Center, and Laura Sims Skate House. Light refreshments will be provided. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the main lobby of Houston Hall (3417 Spruce St) for transportation to locations.  Continue Reading