Having the right clothing during the summer months is essential for kids, but not all families can afford to buy them. Soup or Socks is looking for donations of kids tank tops and shorts to meet a need in the community.
“Clothing is expensive and often a basic need that people will put behind more pressing needs. That was what the drive behind opening a clothes closet was in 1994,” said Cheryl Lewis Hartl, Soup or Socks Director. “Our clothes closet has seen increased demand over the past 10 months, the most significant increase in children’s clothing.”
While there are lower-cost options like Goodwill in the community, Soup or Socks is available for emergencies where income isn’t enough to cover clothing costs. Having such an option can make all the difference.
“When everyone has clean, appropriate clothing to wear, it allows them to be a community member with confidence. Children need to go to school and other activities feeling the best they can to be success,” said Lewis Hartl. “If they are worried that the clothing they have is stained, ripped or does not fit, their level of confidence in themselves will not be very high. We only have one chance to make a first impression and we help people make that first impression the best it can be.”
Children’s summer clothing in all sizes is needed. Soup or Socks is also collecting for the Leadership Marshfield project, Best First Day, which will outfit kids for their return to school. Registration for the program is closed, but families can be added to the waiting list.
Due to limited space, clothing donations should be seasonal. Other clothing needs are adult socks, ladies underwear in all sizes and men’s pants in larger sizes. Jeans, sweatpants, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are available at the closet year-round.
Donations of gently used and new clothing can be taken to Soup or Socks inside First Presbyterian Church at 200 S Lincoln Ave. in Marshfield. All clothing should be clean and whole, and socks and undergarments must be new. Hours are Monday-Thursday from 8-3:30 and Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Other Urgent Needs:
Food items
Crackers
Oatmeal
Pasta
Non-food
Cleaning supplies
Laundry Soap
Toilet Paper
Brown paper bags (often needed)
Volunteers (always needed)
Best First Day will need volunteers the week of Aug 6-9
