Clothes For Kids Programs
The primary program of Clothes For Kids is the Fall/Winter wardrobe program. The program provides new and gently used clothing to low income students in preschool through 12th grade. Students are qualified by being accepted into the free and reduced lunch program and referred by their school. Once at the store families are quickly checked in where they receive a shopping list and basket. The store has two dressing rooms so they can try on clothes. Generally students leave with a wardrobe that includes a combination of new and gently used clothes including shoes, socks, underwear, a warm winter coat and other basics. There is no cost to the families.
In addition to the school wardrobe program Clothes For Kids offers a spring shopping session per child and serves the needs of the entire family by making adult and infant clothing, household items and toiletries available in our family section.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
The programs of Clothes For Kids provided 4033 wardrobes during the 2012/2013 school year. There are more than 40,000 students qualified for free or reduced lunch in Snohomish County. The need is great.
Through the support of our community we are able to continue to grow our programs. We have more than 50 volunteers that commit to one shift a week for a nine month period of time. In addition to volunteers we receive more than $150,000 worth of new in-kind clothing and thousands of pounds of used clothing each year.
We accept donations of clothing and toiletries year round. Cash contributions allow us to fund the operation of the store front and purchase items where we have gaps. The areas we currently see gaps include boy's size 6 to 10 and plus size teen clothing.