Clothing Drive in Need of Donations Through March
When it comes to the first day of school, kids want to look their best and feel confident.
For low-income families, however, a new outfit is lower priority to food and other necessities. A Leadership Marshfield project called “Best First Day” aims to fill this need so that students from grades 4k-12 can worry less about their appearance and attend school with confidence.
“We all know the importance that education has on our future and careers,” said project member Kathy Leick. “It begins in early school years and continues throughout high school. Unfortunately, if a family is struggling financially, they may not be able to afford new clothes for the school year, making the start to a new school year more challenging.”
The project is in partnership with Soup or Socks, a food pantry and clothes closet which provides for qualifying families. Last year, the organization outfitted 100 children with shoes, socks, underwear, two outfits, and winter gear, but sees a much greater need. The goal is to double that number this year and provide two outfits (jeans and tops; athletic pants/tops), shoes, socks, underwear, and winter clothes (jacket, hat, mittens, snow pants if available).
“Being able to go to school with proper dress is a basic that most children are privileged to have,” said Leick. “It adds to each child’s confidence and excitement in approaching a new year of learning challenges, making friends and exploring opportunities.”
Donations of new clothes can be dropped off at participating area businesses through March 29. Most needed items are new tennis shoes, new leggings/athletic pants, new hoodies and new socks. Drop boxes can be found at Hotel Marshfield, Hub City Times, MACCI, Marshfield Clinic Health System YMCA, Pioneer Bank in Marshfield and Rozellville, Shopko, and Three Oaks Health Services.
“We hope that our Best First Day clothing drive will enable these families to experience excitement and confidence in starting a new school year as well,” said Leick. “Doing so will only increase their ability, interest, and enjoyment for focusing on schoolwork, educational opportunities and their future. Helping with new clothing follows the same concept as providing new backpacks and supplies, and we are hoping to reach the same local families needing assistance.”
Clothes are distributed on August 8th. Volunteers are needed for set-up on Aug 6th and Aug 7th, the event on Aug 8th, and clean-up on Aug 9th. Contact Cheryl at SOS if interested by emailing [email protected]
