Help kids have their “Best First Day” by volunteering a shift to distribute new clothes for school through Soup or Socks.
Volunteers are needed to help set up, give out clothing, and clean up the following day, starting August 6 with the day of distribution on August 8 in the gym of 1st Presbyterian Church. Through the program, in collaboration this year with Leadership Marshfield, Best First Day aims to provide each student with at least two outfits along with shoes, socks and underwear.
“It is so important for a person’s self confidence to feel good about themselves. You only get one first day of school, and to allow kids to be able to pick out some special clothing for that day is fun and exciting,” said Director Cheryl Lewis Hartl. “The kids are so happy to be able to ‘shop’ with a volunteer and try on new shoes.”
Eighty-eight children from grades 4K to 12 are signed up for the program. Donations of clothes can still be brought to Soup or Socks on the side of the church through August 4 during normal hours. On Monday, August 6, they can be brought directly to the gym anytime between 9 and 6.
Clothes can be in all sizes and should be new or gently used, free of pet hair, odors, rips, and stains. Socks and underwear should be new. Hooded sweatshirts in all sizes are needed.
“In the five years we have had this option available, we have not had one student not say Thank you to the volunteers. One student even said, she could not believe that there were that many people out in the world that cared enough to help them.
On August 6-7, volunteers can work 3-hour shifts between 9 and 6 for setup. August 8, volunteers work 3 ½ hour shifts starting 8 until 7. Clean up is 8-12 p.m. the following day.
Interested people can email Cheryl at [email protected] or call SOS at 715-387-1796.
