National Geographic Kids magazine encouraged readers to donate old jeans . More than 33,000 items of old clothing -- jeans , hats and shoes -- sent to families . WASHINGTON ( CNN ) -- Material will be recycled into thermal insulation for homes affected by natural disasters . Erek ##a , 9 , of Cleveland , Ohio , collect almost 1,700 pairs of jeans .
National Geographic Kids magazine encouraged readers to donate old jeans . More than 33,000 items of old clothing -- jeans , hats and shoes -- sent to families . Material will be recycled into thermal insulation for homes affected by natural disasters . Erek ##a , 9 , of Cleveland , Ohio , collect almost 1,700 pairs of jeans .